The Serbian Biogas Association had the great pleasure of participating in the Regional Development Forum of AP Vojvodina. The forum discussed institutional and financial support for regional development, economic development and entrepreneurship, the green agenda and labor market, and foreign direct investments. Participants presented best practices and successful projects in these areas. The importance of regional branding and entrepreneurship in creating new jobs and innovations was particularly emphasized. It was concluded that continuous cooperation and efficient resource management are key to achieving sustainable regional development.

The association’s representative, Goran Knežević, spoke on the panel “Bio-waste in the Context of the Green Transition” within the forum, alongside experts in waste management and the green economy. The panel covered key topics such as improving waste management systems, reducing landfilling, and measures for the energy valorization of bio-waste, considering the potential for building regional partnerships and the perspectives of urban planning.

Mr. Knežević presented the results of the UNDP study on the use of bio-waste for biogas production in Sremska Mitrovica, highlighting positive experiences with similar facilities worldwide. The discussion emphasized the importance of managing bio-waste through a circular economy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports sustainable development. Mr. Knežević commented on the feasibility of biogas power plant projects in Serbia, highlighting the competitive costs and advantages of biogas over fossil fuels, while warning of the risks brought by changes in regulatory legislation and the introduction of auctions in the sector.

The panel concluded that further research, investments, and cooperation are crucial for maximizing the potential of biogas and improving the waste management system in AP Vojvodina.