Serbian state-owned power utility (EPS) director for the development of free market Bratislav Dzomic said that renewable energy in Serbia dates back to the 19th century, and continues today, in times of great climate change and pollution when it is probably more important for society and environmental production than ever.
EPS presented the ZelEPS project, namely the possibility of purchasing “green electricity” produced from renewable sources, which reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Green electricity is produced by 15 hydropower plants with total capacity of 3,015 MW, which represents 38 % of EPS’ installed capacity and a third of the total electricity production in Serbia. He added that EPS plans to develop other means of renewable energy production, such as wind and solar.
According to him, EPS concluded the first contract on the delivery of green energy at the end of 2018, immediately after Serbia adopted European standards in that area. The delivery of green energy is proven by a guarantee of origin that serves to confirm to the customer that the energy he pays for is produced in renewable sources. Only producers such as EPS, whose production capacities are registered in the Register of producers from renewable sources, with the Ministry of Mining and Energy, can obtain a guarantee of origin. At the request of the producer, the guarantee of origin is issued by electricity transmission system operator EMS, who became a full member of AIB (European Association of Issuing Bodies) in 2019, when the Serbian market was integrated into the EU market.
Companies that opt for ZelEPS make a significant contribution to the prevention of global climate change. EPS started selling green electricity two years ago, and the first buyer of the ZelEPS package was Procredit Bank. In addition to banks, EPS green energy has so far been purchased mainly by companies engaged in retail sales and industrial production.
EPS said that the amount of contracted energy from renewable sources for this year is currently 50 % higher than in 2020.
