Serbia supports SME decarbonisation and launches Đerdap 3 hydro‑electric study

The Serbian Business Chamber (PKS) has opened a public call for manufacturing small and medium‑sized enterprises that export to the EU or are part of EU supply chains to join a free advisory programme aimed at decarbonising their operations. Applications are accepted until 31 July, with a limited number of slots allocated on a first‑come basis. The programme, part of the Green Economy in Serbia project funded by German development cooperation and implemented by GIZ, offers certified consultants to assist firms in areas such as circular economy, greenhouse‑gas emissions management, energy audits and financial mentorship. Participants will receive expert analysis, carbon‑footprint measurement and a concrete roadmap for reducing emissions, with up to €10,000 grants available for equipment purchases subject to a 50 % co‑financing requirement.

Separately, Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy has issued a tender worth about €5.3 million for the preparation of planning and technical documentation for the reversible hydro‑electric plant Đerdap 3. The project is intended to provide large‑scale energy storage, improve grid flexibility and facilitate the integration of wind and solar power, with a potential capacity of 1.2–2.4 GW and a head of roughly 400 m. Upper reservoirs are planned at Pesača and Brodica, while the lower reservoir will use the Danube downstream of the existing Đerdap 1 plant. The study must address environmental protection within the Đerdap gorge, impacts on Danube navigation, coordination with the existing hydro facilities and cooperation with Romania, as well as partnership with the United States on the initiative.