The General Director of Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske, Luka Petrović, stated that major energy investment projects are underway in Republika Srpska, which will enable significant electricity production for export.
He highlighted projects such as the hydropower plants Dabar hydropower plant, Mrsovo hydropower plant, and Bistrica hydropower plant, as well as solar plants Trebinje 2 and Trebinje 3, and the Hrgud wind farm.
“When production from thermal power plants decreases, we plan new sources such as Upper Drina and Bileća,” Petrović said in Trebinje.
He emphasized that Republika Srpska must make better use of its hydropower potential, noting that while Austria has utilized around 99% of its water resources, Republika Srpska has used less than 30%.
Regarding solar energy, Petrović warned that current market data presented at the Energy Summit Trebinje are discouraging for investors. Electricity prices from solar sources are expected to drop to around €12 during summer months, significantly affecting profitability.
He added that regional electricity prices in the Western Balkans are currently €30–40 lower than in markets where carbon pricing is applied, since Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet part of such a system.
On the establishment of an electricity exchange in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Petrović said that the legal framework has been adopted, with only the issue of the exchange’s headquarters remaining unresolved.
He noted that the absence of carbon emission taxes lowers electricity prices but also impacts the viability of new investments, particularly in solar energy.
“Solar energy is no longer as attractive as before, battery systems are very expensive, and an additional challenge is limited cross-border capacity for exporting electricity,” Petrović said.
He stressed that investors must conduct serious feasibility studies and adapt to market conditions, as electricity will be traded on the future exchange under competitive conditions.
“Electric utilities cannot be expected to purchase electricity above market prices just to support individual projects,” Petrović concluded.
Source: Glas Srpske
