"Serbia leader in energy cooperation with China"

"Serbia leader in energy cooperation with China"

Antic said that the first phase related to the revitalization of blocks B1 and B2, worth approximately USD 300 million, has been completed at the Kostolac Thermal Power Plant.

Antic explained that the second phase is underway and it involves the increase of production of coal from Drmno mine from 9 to 12 million tons a year and the construction of a new 350 MW power plant.

The entire project worth more than USD 700 million, he specified.

According to him, at the meeting of energy ministers it was noted that the mechanism of cooperation, established at the initiative of China, has two key effects - strengthening cooperation with China and strengthening regional cooperation.

The Minister noted that energy security and supply security are regional issues and that they cannot be viewed in isolation.

At the moment, Serbia has three serious interconnections that are in the process of construction or consideration. It is an electricity connection with Romania, a gas interconnection with Bulgaria, and we hope to continue the joint plans for the gas interconnection with Romania, Antic said.

Also, as he stated, at the meeting it was decided to establish regular cooperation at the level of energy ministers, and that the Energy Center of Romania assumes an operational role in that process.