Serbia is advancing a gas transmission expansion and modernisation programme that could involve investments approaching €1 billion, with Niš expected to become a more important junction in the national and regional gas system. The first major infrastructure project under the programme is a pipeline linking Niš and Velika Plana.
Niš–Velika Plana pipeline specifications and system role
The planned 161 km Niš–Velika Plana pipeline is designed with a DN 1000 diameter and a maximum operating pressure of 55 bar. The new line is intended to reinforce the route carrying gas from southern Serbia toward central and northern parts of the country. It is also set to provide additional capacity as new cross-border interconnections are added.
The pipeline would support moving additional southern supplies deeper into Serbia’s transmission system. Existing cross-border capacity includes the Serbia–Bulgaria interconnector at approximately 1.8 billion cubic metres per year. A planned connection with North Macedonia is being designed for around 1.5 billion cubic metres per year.
Financing, procurement issues, and ongoing preparations
The World Bank is expected to participate in financing the wider programme, with discussions moving toward formal negotiations. Negotiation-related issues include procurement arrangements, environmental and social requirements, and the allocation of responsibilities between participating institutions and companies. Preparatory work has already started, alongside public consultation processes.
The Ministry of Mining and Energy has published technical documentation for the project. Public consultations are under way as part of the preparatory phase.
Potential storage, hydrogen-readiness studies, and sector restructuring
Later phases could include additional underground gas-storage capacity and pipelines connecting new or expanded storage sites. A possible Mokrin–Belgrade pipeline is also referenced as part of future work. Studies are expected to examine whether elements of Serbia’s gas infrastructure could be adapted for hydrogen transport.
The investment is linked to restructuring within the Serbian gas sector following adoption of a new Gas Law. Gas Infrastruktura has been established to manage infrastructure assets, while Transportgas Srbija has been certified as an independent transmission system operator. Srbijagas remains responsible for supplying households and businesses.
Together with planned interconnections toward North Macedonia and Romania, the programme is intended to diversify supply routes and strengthen Serbia’s role in the regional gas network.
