Serbia is intensifying its commitment to renewable energy by investing 168 million dinars (approximately 1.436 million euros) to equip public infrastructure with solar panels. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Mining and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Investments, will target various public buildings, including schools, gyms, museums, and other facilities across 30 municipalities. The funding was formally announced during a ceremony in Ub, where Ministers Dubravka Đedović Handanović and Darko Glišić emphasized the significance of the program for local communities and economic growth. “Every municipality should advance and enhance the quality of life for its citizens through innovative projects,” said Darko Glišić.
This solar panel program is part of a larger national effort to rehabilitate public buildings’ energy systems. Since 2020, the Ministry of Mining and Energy has allocated 4.63 billion dinars (39.574 million euros) for such projects. In 2024 alone, an additional 800 million dinars (6.838 million euros) have been earmarked to modernize public energy infrastructure. Serbia’s goal is to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to its climate objectives, including those outlined in the Paris Agreement and the European Green Agenda.
International cooperation is also crucial to Serbia’s energy transition. The French Development Agency (AFD) is supporting these efforts with a grant of 650,000 euros aimed at developing energy planning tools. One of the key initiatives is the creation of a macroeconomic-energy model, designed to assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of various energy scenarios by 2050. This project, carried out with the International Research Center for Environment and Development (CIRED) and Serbian academic institutions, will provide policymakers with data to inform energy policies.
These projects also promote the development of Serbia’s renewable energy sector, attracting both local and international investment. By leveraging these financial resources and international partnerships, Serbia aims to strengthen its competitiveness in global markets while enhancing its energy security. Ultimately, the country seeks to position itself as a leader in the Western Balkans’ energy transition, fulfilling its European climate commitments.
