SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY SECTOR IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Abstract

This paper analyzes the development of the energy sector in the Republic of Serbia in the previous period, which has exhibited certain economic and non-economic disadvantages that are unacceptable in the long-term. Modern economic development raises a number of challenges to be addressed in order to ensure long-term sustainability of the energy sector as one of the key drivers of the national economy. These challenges are the result of numerous factors, the most influential being the role the energy sector plays in the development of the national economy, on the one hand, and growing use of non-renewable energy resources and environmental pollution caused by rapid and uncontrolled development of energy sector based on exploitation of the aforementioned group of resources, on the other hand. In addition, it is necessary to implement sustainable energy development in the Republic of Serbia to secure meeting of economic, environmental, social and other sustainable development goals. It is imperative that development of energy sector moves forwards the more intensive use of renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency in order to meet the growing demand for energy products. Within the framework of the EU accession process, and in line with the harmonization requirements with the EU acquis pertaining to the energy sector, the Republic of Serbia has also committed to achieve sustainable development of its energy sector and systems. In order to be able to implement the above stated, it is necessary to diversify the offer of energy resources and to provide secure energy supply, i.e., the supply of final energy products to industry and households, at the same time respecting the objectives of a controlled reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The only possible long-term and sustainable concept of energy development is the concept designed in this manner.