Serbia enhances energy security with new coal production and heating readiness

Serbia's Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, has announced advancements in the country's energy security through increased coal production and infrastructure readiness for the heating season.

At the Radljevo mine, a new large-scale excavator has begun operations, marking the start of coal production using a continuous system. The ministry aims to produce 100,000 tons of coal from this system by the end of the month. Further investments include the installation of a second stacker, with the goal of reaching an annual production of seven million tons of coal. These developments are accompanied by workforce expansions at RB Kolubara and the integration of workers into Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS).

Regarding seasonal readiness, EPS has completed repairs to coal production and supply systems. Despite previous delays in coal transport due to poor hydrological conditions on the Danube, production levels have now met planned values. The ministry confirmed that heating plants are prepared to provide services to Obrenovac, Kostolac, and Požarevac. Additionally, a boiler at the Kolubara thermal power plant has been brought back into operation to ensure heating for the Veliki Crljeni settlement.