Republika Srpska is determined to invest in renewable energy sources and savings, it was said at the “Banjaluka Energy Forum – let’s save energy”. It was also announced that, through the installation of solar panels in households, the process of energy transition has been initiated. Businessmen are also in favor of switching to renewable energy sources. That, they say, would mean more efficient operations.
The sun, wind, water – these are some of the energy sources that Republika Srpska should use, it is one of the highlights of the meeting. In Elektroprivreda, they claim that they are committed to the production of electricity from renewable sources, and that they will buy the allocated unused concessions for hydropower.
“Now, only one thing is certain – energy, which three years ago was from 50 to 60 euros, is now from 110 to 140 euros. It is obvious that we swallowed the truth, that the electricity went out twice. We are all grateful that it is not five times or ten times, as it was last year,” said Luka Petrović, general director of Elektroprivreda RS.
Energy inefficiency is one of the biggest problems of businessmen. Electricity consumption is one of the biggest costs. That’s why they have no dilemma when it comes to switching to alternative sources.
“Now, when we approach the market prices of electricity, we become uncompetitive. We already have a lot of companies that have a high share of electrical energy in the final product and are losing the market”, says Saša Trivić, president of the Union of Employers’ Associations of the RS.
The Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship of the RS Vojin Mitrović (SNSD) reminds that the European Union also dictates the use of renewable energy sources – water, sun, wind: “These are the things we give priority to.” Decarbonization is also a directive of the European Union”.
BiH produces more than 60 percent of its energy from coal, and that is not good, says Entity Prime Minister Radovan Višković (SNSD). He claims that there is investor interest in producing more than 4,000 megawatt-hours of electricity through renewable energy sources: “These are investments of over 6.5 to 7 billion BAM. Likewise, we must be aware of the fact that not all of these projects will be realized, for one reason, it is not money, but transmission capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
The good news is that there will be no increase in electricity prices next year. The Forum also said that it would be desirable for the European Union to support the transition to renewable energy sources through grants, Federalna reports.
