A two-day regional conference on renewable energy, the “Balkan Solar Summit,” dedicated to the development of a sustainable energy system and strengthening regional cooperation, opened in Banja Luka.
Among those attending the opening were Republika Srpska Minister of Energy and Mining Petar Đokić, Republika Srpska Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation Zlatan Klokić, and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac.
“We in Republika Srpska have made progress compared to last year’s summit. The number of production facilities using renewable energy sources, especially solar, has increased significantly. Today we already have more than 350 MW of solar power plants built and connected to the grid,” said Minister Petar Đokić.
Over the two days, the conference is expected to bring together more than 400 experts, industry leaders, investors, and key stakeholders, with the aim of creating concrete solutions aligned with regional and European standards, positioning the Balkan Solar Summit as a central venue for dialogue on energy transition in the region.
“The commitment of Republika Srpska in the energy sector is confirmed by organizing the Energy Summit in Trebinje as well. This shows that Republika Srpska is a place for international dialogue on important topics. I must say they have met the so-called Olympic norm, as this is the fourth year. It confirms the commitment to discussing energy issues here in Banja Luka,” said Minister Staša Košarac.
Through panels, lectures, and expert discussions, participants will have the opportunity to hear the experiences of those who turn projects from ideas into operational and profitable systems.
“Precisely such a summit is a place where, through the exchange of experiences and international cooperation, we can create solutions that will above all bring long-term energy stability to Republika Srpska,” said Minister Zlatan Klokić.
The Balkan Solar Summit is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers.
“This year we enriched the program with four new topics that will be presented for the first time at this professional level, where experts will confront their views and ideas—primarily aggregation, energy storage, batteries, and hybrid facilities,” said Balkan Solar Summit program director Ervin Leko.
The regional conference is being held for the fourth consecutive year.
source: RTRS
