Challenges
- At the beginning of the new millennium, Serbia’s energy sector was in very poor condition due to prolonged economic sanctions and war damage.
- The ever increasing energy consumption of the population and industry could only be satisfied by a more efficient use of capacities. Existing facilities had therefore, to be modernised. In addition, new production capacities were built up.
Approach
The aim of the emergency programme was to eliminate supply bottlenecks and to restart coal-fired power plants and coal mines in order to stabilise the electricity supply in Serbia. First, the import of electricity and spare parts was financed with 15.3 million Euros.
In October 2001, KfW signed another credit agreement with the Serbian Electric Utilities (EPS) amounting to approx. 51 million Euros to finance the import of spare parts, which were urgently needed for major overhauls in thermal power plants and coal mines.
