Serbia is moving forward with a major gas transmission expansion and modernisation programme that could involve investments approaching €1 billion, with Niš expected to become an increasingly important junction in the national and regional gas system. The first infrastructure project in the programme is a pipeline linking Niš with Velika Plana.
Niš–Velika Plana pipeline specifications and role in flows
The planned first project covers 161 km for the Niš–Velika Plana pipeline. It is designed with a DN 1000 diameter and a maximum operating pressure of 55 bar. The line is intended to strengthen the route carrying gas from southern Serbia towards central and northern parts of the country. It would also provide additional capacity as new cross-border interconnections are added.
The pipeline is expected to support movement of additional southern supplies deeper into Serbia’s transmission system. Current cross-border capacity includes about 1.8 billion cubic metres per year on the Serbia–Bulgaria interconnector. A planned connection with North Macedonia is being designed for around 1.5 billion cubic metres per year.
Financing, consultations and procurement conditions
The wider programme is expected to involve the World Bank in financing, with talks moving towards formal negotiations. Outstanding issues include procurement arrangements, environmental and social requirements, and allocation of responsibilities between participating institutions and companies. Preparatory work has already begun as public consultations are under way. The Ministry of Mining and Energy has published technical documentation.
Potential storage expansion, hydrogen-readiness studies and sector restructuring
Later phases could include additional underground gas-storage capacity, pipelines connecting new or expanded storage sites, and a possible Mokrin–Belgrade pipeline. Studies are also expected to examine whether elements of Serbia’s gas infrastructure could be adapted for hydrogen transport. The investment is accompanied by restructuring of the Serbian gas sector through a new Gas Law.
Gas Infrastruktura has been established to manage infrastructure assets, while Transportgas Srbija has been certified as an independent transmission system operator. Srbijagas remains responsible for supplying households and businesses. Together with planned interconnections towards North Macedonia and Romania, the programme is intended to diversify supply routes and strengthen Serbia’s role in the regional gas network.
