Republika Srpska government proposes new energy sector development strategy until 2035

The government of Republika Srpska, the Serb entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has adopted a proposal of the energy sector development strategy until 2035, focusing on the security of supply and the creation of a sustainable and competitive energy sector, local media reported.

The document, which has been sent to parliament for a fast-track procedure, is essentially a revision of the previous energy sector development strategy, passed in March 2012, but it was drawn up as an entirely new document, with the timeframe extended from 2030 to 2035, according to reports.

Among the five key objectives of the new strategy is a more efficient exploitation of energy resources, which involves identifying and mapping the capacities in all segments of renewable energy sources, creating conditions for the use of new, innovative technologies, modernizing the coal sector, and stepping up the exploration of the virtually untapped oil and natural gas potentials, according the final draft of the strategy, available on the government’s website.

Another objective is to ensure the security of supply and accessibility of energy, which entails the diversification of supply routes and the further physical integration of the electricity and gas market with countries in the region, with a focus on Serbia, according to the final draft.

The strategy also envisages improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, controlling the quality of oil products supplied on the domestic market, and harmonizing the regulatory framework with existing and future obligations towards the EU, according to the draft.

According to reports, energy prices in Republika Srpska are relatively low compared with countries in the region and the EU, and the government will seek to maintain such a policy in the future.