Elektroprivreda BiH must import electricity due to insufficient coal production

(Patria) - Prime Minister of FBiH Nermin Nikšić and Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić spoke today in Sarajevo with the managements of JP Elektroprivreda BiH, the mines of the EPBiH Concern and the Brown Coal Mine Banovići, as well as union representatives.

The meeting's topic was the level of coal production in mines and how to increase it.

General Director of JP Elektroprivreda BiH Sanel Buljubašić presented data on the achieved level of coal production, and provided comparative data from the previous several years, as well as forecasts for the upcoming period.

He pointed out that the plans for this year have not been met, and that it is necessary to find a solution to increase production.

He also indicated that Elektroprivreda is fulfilling all its obligations towards the mines, and that due to insufficient coal production, it imports a certain amount of electricity and purchases coal from third parties for the needs of thermal power plants.

At the same time, he reminded of Elektroprivreda's legal obligation to ensure regular electricity supply for consumers.

Union representatives pointed out the problems mines face in their work, primarily highlighting outdated technology. They emphasized the necessity of jointly finding a solution that will ensure a sufficient amount of coal.

Minister Lakić stressed that discussions on the problem of insufficient coal production in mines began in a timely manner, and that the goal is to find a way to increase the level of production.

He indicated that all participants in the meeting must be aware of their responsibility in the energy system of the Federation of BiH.

Prime Minister Nikšić told the meeting participants that the goal is to jointly find a solution for the current situation, but also reminded of comparative data on the amounts of mined coal, which show a significant decline.

He noted as positive that today's meeting was marked by solidarity and understanding for the significant work of miners and the job they perform, and added that the solution to increasing coal production lies in the mines.

The meeting concluded that mine managements should, in the coming period, draw up plans to increase production in their mines for the next six months of this year, as well as for the period of the next three years.

It was emphasized that the plans should contain realistic assessments, which will be discussed at the next meeting. The joint commitment of all actors to find a way to increase the level of coal production in the mines was reiterated.