The Serbian Energy Efficiency Agency, the public energy company „Elektrovojvodina“ and several private companies have formed a consortium, „Serbia Energy Group“, with a view to jointly participating in third energy markets. The director of „Elektrovojvodina“, Tihomir Simić, estimates that in 2013, in the African market alone, the consortium could realize projects worth over 100 million euros. More from Biljana Blanuša.
The economic crisis and the limited business conditions in the national market have caused energy companies to form associations in order to increase their efficiency and competition in the realization of projects in foreign markets. According to Simić, the formation of „Serbia Energy Group“ is beneficial to all members as it enables systematic connections and the branding of national technology and knowledge in the electric energy sector, as well as participation in the markets not concquered to date, which leads to additional incomes. Thus companies contribute to export increase and overall economic development. The companies forming the consortium should bear complete projects in the electric energy field, starting from design, construction, high technology equipment and expert training of management and staff. The target markets include central and southern African regions, where some 200 projects in the field of electric energy infrastructure are currently realized. Those countries have high economic growth rates, of some 10%, and they represent a big chance for national companies, well-known in those markets. For instance, in the regions of Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana, business deals worth some 100 million euros could be realized and cooperation could be expanded further. A good approach is expected in the central Asian and ex-Soviet markets.
Deputy Director of the Energy Efficiency Agency Bojan Kovačić stressed that the Agency had supported the formation of the consortium as it contributes to the association of Serbian companies, which, through the realization of joint projects, make breakthroughs into new markets. The Agency will also provide its support by cooperating with international partners and related institutions both in the EU and elsewhere.
Consortium members include private companies as well, such as „Saga“, Belgrade, „Energotehnika južna Bačka“, Novi Sad, „ELNOS“ of Banja Luka, which have also been joined by the „Mihajlo Pupin“ Institute of Belgrade. In the fields of energy, industry and information and communication technologies, the companies will be performing the following activities: design, engineering, consulting, research and development, supervision, training, knowledge and technology transfers, investment project management and rendering services in the fields of environment protection, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and sustainable development.