3rd Hydropower Balkans Summit held 7-8 November in Belgrade

The Summit was held on 7-8 November in Belgrade, Serbia and united participants from 20 countries! The event featured HPP greenfield and brownfield projects from Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Republike Srpske, Slovenia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Bosnia, Greece.

Among the companies participated in the Summit: JS Elektroprivreda Srbije, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Albanian Power Corporation (KESH), Bulgarian Energy Holding, Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske, European Investment Bank, Hidroelektrarne na Spodnji Savi, International Finance Corporation, Power Plants of North Macedonia, Montenegrin Electric Enterprise (EPCG), Hydro Power Plants at Vrbas, PPC S.A., PPC Albania, Holding Slovenske elektrarne, Government of Republic of North Macedonia, EcoEnergy Consulting, Elektroprivreda BiH and many others.

The Summit was sponsored by: ABB Italy, Sevinc Machine Industry and Trade, Emerson Process Management.

Plenary session participants concluded, that electrification and decarbonisation process requires a significant increase of investments in clean generation and storage as well as additional grid and infrastructure investments. Nevertheless, there are political risks and regulatory complexities, social and environmental issues which are considered to be the most significant challenges for developers and investors.

Development plans and prospects as well as the flagship investment projects for new HPPs construction were presented there.

The Round table dedicated to engineering aspects of HPP construction and renovation concluded the first day of the Summit. International engineering companies and equipment suppliers discussed all project details directly with CTOs of operator companies.

The decision-makers of major financial institutions, such as International Finance Corporation, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank enlightened the participants on investment opportunities in the regional hydropower industry, challenges for developers and investors and risk mitigation.

This year special attention was paid to small hydropower potential of the Balkans. Two Round tables devoted to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded the Summit.

Besides, specialised technical exhibition took place at the Summit. Industry leaders presented their technical, technological and service solutions for the region: ABB Italy, Sevinc Machine Industry and Trade, Emerson Process Management, Stucky, Tor Services, Zollern, Rakurs Engineering, Polyar Steel Construction, AUMA, Alpiq AG, Tractebel Engineering, AF Сonsult, Landsvirkjun Power.

Over the course of three Summit days, more than 150 business meetings were held, which, of course, became the basis for a long and mutually beneficial future cooperation.

Get the full wrap-up report of the Summit 2019