First phase of new World Bank-backed gas programme to include construction of the first section of the Nis–Velika Plana gas pipeline: Gas infrastructure modernization project worth around EUR 1 billion

As part of the first phase of Serbia's new gas program with the World Bank, the construction of the first section of the Nis–Velika Plana gas pipeline is planned. The project, along with its financing and governance model, was one of the topics discussed by Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic and a delegation from the World Bank.

- We are taking concrete steps to launch this EUR 1 billion project, through which we will strengthen and modernize Serbia's domestic gas infrastructure, institutional capacities and support reform activities in cooperation with the World Bank. In the first phase, we will build the initial section of the Nis–Velika Plana gas pipeline, Djedovic Handanovic said, according to a ministry statement.

She added that the new gas pipelines to be built under the project would enable Serbia to make full use of its gas interconnections with neighboring countries, improving energy security while strengthening the country's position as a regional transit route and gas hub in this part of Europe, generating additional revenue.

- The southern and eastern parts of the country will gain greater access to natural gas, which is important for industrial development and attracting investment, the minister said.

According to Djedovic Handanovic, subsequent phases of the program envisage increasing the capacity of the existing natural gas transmission network, constructing compressor stations and expanding underground gas storage capacity. These measures are expected to improve system security while enhancing regional connectivity and network flexibility.

The minister said that discussions also covered the project's financing arrangements and governance structure.

- The project coordination working group will include representatives of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, as well as gas-sector companies Gas Infrastructure, Transportgas, Srbijagas, and other relevant stakeholders. Until financing is approved, this working group will coordinate project preparation and implementation to ensure that all activities are completed within the planned timeframe, she said.

The meeting also reviewed the project's implementation schedule, including the World Bank's financing approval process, the establishment of a project implementation unit and the provision of institutional support.

Ministarstvo rudarstva i energetike Republike Srbije

GAS INFRASTRUKTURA doo Novi Sad

Transportgas Srbija doo Novi Sad

JP Srbijagas Novi Sad

Svetska Banka-WB Beograd

Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic

Nis Velika Plana gas pipeline construction