Title: National energy and climate planning approach for the Western Balkans: between the carrot and the stick of the EU Green Agenda

Authors: Ilija Batas-Bjelic; Nikola Rajakovic

Addresses: Institute of Technical Sciences of SASA, Knez Mihailova 34/IV, Serbia ' Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, Serbia

Abstract: Just in the immediate neighbourhood of the European Union (EU), Western Balkans (WB) countries are lagging behind in the energy transition regardless of the technological advances and policy instruments available. The EU recently created a momentum for the energy transition acceleration with the European Green Deal, which is forwarded to the WB through the Energy Community Secretariat. The response in the form of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) is expected in the short to midterm, as the result of 'the carrot and the stick' approach. Simulation-based optimisation techniques using the sector coupling approach are suggested first. Furthermore, integrated assessment modelling (IAM) techniques will also be included. The purpose of the research is to provide decision-makers in the WB with the best available analytical background for sustainable energy systems planning, and citizens of the WB with a better chance to benefit from the adoption of these strategies in just transition.

Keywords: European Green Deal; energy transition; sectors coupling; Western Balkans; energy; climate; Sofia Declaration; Serbia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2021.121016

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2021 Vol.20 No.2/3/4, pp.123 - 134

Received: 30 Oct 2020
Accepted: 04 Nov 2021
Published online: 21 Feb 2022 *

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