Serbia is advancing a multi-phase investment program aimed at strengthening its natural gas infrastructure, with a focus on diversifying supply routes and improving long-term energy security. The plans were presented during discussions with World Bank Country Manager for Serbia Nicola Pontara and Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedovic. The meeting covered major projects in the gas sector and related preparation work.
New interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania
A central element of the strategy is the construction of new gas interconnections with neighboring countries. The Minister said gas links with North Macedonia and Romania are expected to be completed within the next two years. The stated purpose is to give Serbia access to additional gas sources and transit corridors while improving resilience against potential supply disruptions.
To support the interconnection rollout, the program is structured across multiple phases. World Bank involvement was discussed in the context of financing preparation and technical follow-up steps. Pontara welcomed continued cooperation with the Serbian Government for the next phase of development.
Nis–Velika Plana pipeline and downstream network works
The first phase will focus on building the Nis–Velika Plana gas pipeline. It also includes preparation of technical documentation for future projects. Subsequent phases are expected to cover expansion of existing underground gas storage facilities.
Later stages are also expected to involve development of new storage capacities and supporting pipeline infrastructure. In addition, the program includes construction of a new gas connection between Mokrin and Belgrade. These elements are part of the broader effort to strengthen system flexibility.
Hydrogen studies and transmission modernization
The initiative will also examine the future role of hydrogen in Serbia’s energy system. Planned technical studies will assess whether current and future gas infrastructure can support hydrogen transportation as part of the broader energy transition and decarbonization process. This work is intended to inform how existing assets could be used under changing fuel requirements.
Đedovic said World Bank support is particularly important for modernizing Serbia’s domestic gas transmission network. She also cited increasing storage capacity and developing additional compressor stations as priorities for investment backing. According to her, these steps are intended to maximize benefits from new international interconnections.
Financing preparation and expert working groups
The meeting addressed preparations for securing World Bank financing for the program. It also included plans to establish expert working groups and launch necessary technical studies tied to the next phase. Pontara welcomed continuation of cooperation with the Serbian Government during these preparations.
The discussions linked financing, technical study initiation, and working-group setup to implementation planning for major gas sector projects. Support for subsequent development was highlighted in relation to Serbia’s energy security and regional integration objectives.
