“I believe that by consolidating the capital of domestic, smaller yet reputable companies, we could once again establish a strong reputation as reliable builders, particularly in the markets of North and Central Africa and the Middle East. Energotehna strives to position itself as a key player in the energy transition, offering solutions aligned with global trends and the growing need for sustainable energy.” – Emil Sovilj
The rapid modernisation of energy infrastructure presents both challenges and opportunities. Companies that successfully navigate the transition towards more sustainable energy sources are securing key market positions. Through its projects, Energotehna is strategically positioning itself as a leader in this field, embracing global trends and implementing cutting-edge solutions. We spoke with Emil Sovilj, CEO of Energotehna, about the company’s latest projects, the importance of energy stability, and future investments.
Could you tell us more about the petroleum storage facility project in Niš? What were the key challenges and technical solutions you implemented?
— The last time we spoke, I mentioned the upcoming reconstruction of the petroleum and gas storage facility in Niš. Today, I am proud to confirm that we have successfully completed the project.
The facility received its operational permit in December. Storage capacity has been doubled, significantly increasing the volume of fuel intake and dispatch. The facility has been fully aligned with the latest fire protection regulations. We have incorporated state-of-the-art solutions from the petroleum industry, ensuring safe and secure operations for years to come. The greatest challenge we faced was the tight project deadline.
This year marks 20 years since the founding of Energotehna in Novi Sad. Over the past two decades, we have built a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the energy infrastructure sector
The entire facility was reconstructed in just 270 days, despite various obstacles along the way. We built 15,000 m³ of new storage tanks, 14 km of new pipelines, 4,300 m³ of concrete structures, 300 tonnes of steel structures, 29 metering skids, 27 loading arms, 7 underground tanks, a complete truck and vehicle parking area, a fuel pumping station, a fire safety station, a fully reconstructed dispatch centre, an industrial railway track, and much more. We are particularly proud that, despite over 350,000 working hours invested in the project, there were no serious workplace injuries or delays due to non-compliance with safety regulations.
How do you see the significance of this facility for Serbia’s energy sector and the wider region? How does it contribute to supply stability?
— By reconstructing the facility and increasing storage capacity, fuel supply to central and southern Serbia is now significantly more secure and reliable. One of the key highlights of this project is the construction of Jet A1 fuel tanks – aviation fuel reservoirs.
Given the ongoing development of Niš Airport and the previously limited fuel storage capacity at the airport itself, the new facility, located in close proximity, will play a crucial role in supporting the airport’s expansion.
What are your expectations regarding the further modernisation of Serbia’s energy infrastructure? What key investment opportunities lie ahead?
— The coming period will be both exciting and challenging for the energy sector. NIS, as Serbia’s largest petroleum company, is set to continue investing in the modernisation of two more storage facilities in Novi Sad and Smederevo. However, the current geopolitical climate poses significant challenges, affecting not only NIS but also Serbia as a whole.
Partnering with Energotehna allows companies to rely on a trusted and experienced provider, offering high-quality and efficient solutions in the energy infrastructure sector
The entire region is experiencing an investment downturn, impacting both the petroleum sector and industrial construction in general. While investments in green energy have proven beneficial, they remain insufficient. Modernising existing energy capacities and managing them more effectively would allow us to navigate the current European crisis more securely and efficiently.
How does Energotehna plan to respond to global energy trends, particularly in the transition towards more sustainable energy sources?
— I believe the global push for an immediate switch to green energy is premature and, to some extent, unfeasible. The technology we currently possess has not yet enabled a full transition from hydrocarbon-based energy production and consumption. Serbia must set clearer goals and define a strategy that would enable companies like Energotehna to develop their own plans in line with national energy priorities. At present, I see significant potential for our company in re-entering foreign markets that were once served by Yugoslav companies— markets we withdrew from following the dissolution of the former state.
Many of the once highly respected domestic firms vanished during this transition. By consolidating the capital of smaller yet reputable domestic companies, I believe we could once again establish a strong reputation as reliable builders, particularly in the markets of North and Central Africa and the Middle East. Energotehna is striving to position itself as a key player in the energy transition, offering solutions aligned with global trends and the growing demand for sustainable energy.
What are the key advantages of partnering with Energotehna for companies seeking a reliable energy infrastructure provider?
— This year marks 20 years since the founding of Energotehna in Novi Sad. Over the past two decades, we have built a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the energy infrastructure sector. I deliberately use words like ‘trustworthy’ and ‘honest’—qualities more commonly associated with family values—because from day one, we have fostered a culture of working as one large family. The experience we have gained along the way, without ever compromising our integrity, is what I consider Energotehna’s greatest asset. Our motto, ‘We build for you as if we were building for ourselves’, best reflects who we are and what we stand for. Every time we have been engaged in energy infrastructure projects, we have grown alongside our investors and partners. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to ethical and moral principles throughout our development. We have remained focused on a highly specialised segment of the industry, and I believe this is our key strength. We have developed expertise in energy facility construction and, together with our partners in measurement, regulation, and leading design firms, we can offer comprehensive solutions tailored to any project requirement. In short, partnering with Energotehna allows companies to rely on a trusted and experienced provider, offering high-quality and efficient solutions in the energy infrastructure sector.