Serbia readies World Bank-backed gas buildout and efficiency push, starting with Niš–Velika Plana

Serbia’s next phase of energy planning is taking shape around a single question investors will watch closely: how quickly can the country reduce constraints in its gas system while keeping financing aligned with broader transition goals. Under a new long-term support program with the World Bank, Belgrade is preparing to expand gas infrastructure, address weaknesses in transmission performance, and continue funding energy efficiency measures.

A first step on the domestic pipeline

Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović said the initial stage will include building the Niš–Velika Plana gas pipeline section. Alongside that work, Serbia will prepare technical documentation for later phases—signaling that this effort is intended as a staged buildout rather than a one-off project.

The minister framed the program as an effort to strengthen Serbia’s energy infrastructure by targeting bottlenecks that currently limit efficient transport and distribution. In her view, improving reliability of gas flows across the country requires both physical upgrades and better system performance where demand meets network constraints.

Network expansion, storage growth, and supporting links

Looking beyond the first phase, future work is expected to broaden the gas network further. Plans include a planned pipeline from Mokrin to Belgrade, as well as development of new gas storage capacities. To make those additions operational, Serbia also expects connecting infrastructure to be built to support storage integration into the wider system.

The program’s design also reflects an emphasis on adaptability. During discussions with the World Bank delegation, both sides explored whether parts of Serbia’s gas infrastructure could be repurposed for hydrogen transport as the energy transition advances—an approach aimed at preserving asset value over time rather than treating today’s buildout as purely short-cycle capacity.

Regional interconnectors to diversify supply routes

Alongside domestic upgrades, Serbia intends to enhance regional connectivity over the next two years through construction of two new gas interconnectors: one linking with North Macedonia, and another connecting with Romania. The government described these projects as part of a broader strategy to diversify supply routes and strengthen energy security.

Energy efficiency remains part of the package

The World Bank cooperation is not limited to pipelines and storage. Serbian authorities emphasized continued support for modernizing public facilities—including schools, kindergartens, and hospitals—as well as additional programs directed at households. This suggests that financing priorities are meant to run in parallel across both supply-side infrastructure and demand-side efficiency improvements.

The World Bank delegation was led by Stephanie Gill. She said it is ready to support Serbia’s priority energy investments—particularly in the gas sector—and noted that Serbia’s pace and level of ambition in this area stand out within the region.

The first phase is expected to center on expanding gas infrastructure, marking what officials describe as the start of a wider effort combining transmission upgrades, cross-border connections, storage development, and longer-term flexibility considerations.