The Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW) 2024 concluded on September 27th, after five intensive days dedicated to key topics of energy and just transition, climate change, ESG, and the most current issues of ETS and CBAM, reports klix.ba.
The central themes of this year’s event were “Together Towards Carbon Neutrality,” “Just Transition and Critical Mineral Resources,” “Shaping the Future of Electricity,” and special days dedicated to visionary Emerik Blum at Energoinvest and shaping energy security and independence at the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH.
During SECW, 19 panels and nine accompanying events were held, resulting in rich discussions and important conclusions. The panels provided an opportunity for constructive talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead in the energy and climate sectors.
Ognjen Marković from EU4Energy, moderator of the panel dedicated to organizing the electricity wholesale market and establishing the electricity exchange in BiH, emphasized the key role of such platforms in accelerating the transition:
“The presentations and discussion at Panel X once again demonstrated the necessity of establishing an electricity exchange in BiH. Only after its establishment will there be a path full of challenges towards joining the EU market through market coupling. It is undeniable that a functional exchange supports the acceleration of investments in renewable energy sources, while the redesigned market should provide security for investors and protection for consumers from large changes in electricity prices.”
This year, SECW also served as a platform for initiating several important projects and partnerships, among which the signing of an agreement between Energoinvest and Wattkraft stands out, laying the foundation for future energy projects. Several significant agreements were also signed, such as the establishment of the Center for Sustainable Energy Transition, continued activities of BiH municipalities in cooperation with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), and other bilateral agreements between organizations.
Prof. Mustafa Musić, vice president of the SECW Program Committee, reflected on future steps in the energy sector:
“In the coming period, we expect significant intensification of decarbonization through increased energy efficiency, both on the production side and the consumption side of energy. Diversification of production towards renewable sources, especially in the electricity sector, will be crucial in the coming years. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina will face certain challenges due to slower regulatory framework and infrastructure project development, with the right approach, we can become part of the global movement towards sustainability,” said Prof. Musić.
He particularly emphasized that the focus of the energy transition will be on innovations and new technical-technological solutions:
“In the coming period, we expect innovations in renewable energy technologies, increased conductor capacities at the same voltage levels, as well as further digitalization and decentralization of energy systems. The IT sector and artificial intelligence will play a key role in maintaining the stability and reliable operation of the system,” concluded Musić.
Dr. Admir Softić, chairman of the SECW Program Committee and Assistant Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, highlighted expectations for concrete actions after this event:
“The conclusions from SECW will serve as a basis for drafting recommendations related to the implementation of international obligations regarding sustainable energy. We plan to form advisory groups composed of participants of this event, which will work on developing concrete projects and initiatives. Our vision is for SECW to not just be a platform for discussion but also a catalyst for real changes in energy policy.”
Dr. Softić also emphasized the importance of networking different stakeholders to promote joint projects:
“One of the key outcomes of this year’s SECW is strengthened cooperation between authorities, the private sector, NGOs, and the academic community. This dialogue is crucial for sharing knowledge and experience, which will help us achieve common sustainable development goals.”
Mirsad Jašarspahić, President of the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH, envisions the future of SECW with an increasingly significant role in shaping energy policy—not only in BiH but also in the wider region.
“This international event has the potential to become the leading platform for discussions on key issues related to energy transition and climate change and to set standards for similar events in the future. The Chamber of Commerce will continue to support SECW to keep it relevant and influential in the years to come,” announced Jašarspahić.
Zina Jusić from the SECW Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to all partners, sponsors, and participants:
“This event would not have been as successful without the support of our partners, patrons, sponsors, and media partners. Their contribution was crucial for the quality of the panels and events. We sincerely thank everyone who helped us realize this important project and look forward to future cooperation,” said Jusić.
The general impression of all SECW participants is that this event has become a key platform for regional and international dialogue on energy and climate, with new projects and partnerships already agreed upon during this year’s edition for the coming year.
The third Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW 2025) will be held from September 22 to 26, 2025.
SECW 2024 was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of BiH and nLogic Advisory, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, EU4Energy, Adriatic Metals BiH, Porsche BiH, and SEI, under the high patronage of Dr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, and numerous partners. Partner countries were the United Kingdom and Norway.
All information, daily bulletins, and panel materials are available on the website www.secw.ba.