Due to turmoil in energy markets globally, governments all over the world are faced with unprecedented challenges including the rapid change of prices and possible shortages of energy.
At the same time, the long-term commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to accelerating the green shift remain in focus. The Western Balkan region is among the most CO2-intensive and are confronted to the future Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as a competitive disadvantage. Further investments are needed to increase green electricity generation capacities. New energy system solutions are needed to prepare for the transition away from coal to fully renewable sources combined with storage capacities.
The Royal Norwegian Embassies in Sarajevo and Belgrade are jointly taking the initiative to present Norwegian expertise and investors to the Western Balkans. Some Norwegian companies are already present in the region, and many more are looking to increase their activities and enter new markets. There are huge opportunities for investment in and cooperation with the Western Balkan countries, as well as their industries and companies.
The regional conference on renewable energy takes place at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade on 17 November. Governments as well as regulatory agencies, and energy companies of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, are invited to participate and present their visions in the energy sector and meet with their Norwegian counterparts.
Leading Norwegian energy companies such as Statkraft, Emergy, Rystad Energy, Tinfos, Greenstat, and others have already confirmed their participation, and many more are expected.
The registration process for the conference is soon to open. Those interested in taking part or contributing otherwise can contact emb.belgrade@mfa.no for further information.