„The Republic of Srpska is showing determination to make big investments in challenging times, such as construction of the Šepak-Novi Grad Main Gas Pipeline. This project will last for generations and make Republic of Srpska important. The works will start in June and the gas pipeline network will follow part of the highway construction, so that we have as few problems as possible with resolving property and legal relations”, Prime Minister of Republic of Srpska Savo Minić stated today in Banja Luka after signing the contract for the design and construction of the Šepak-Novi Grad gas pipeline.

The contract was signed by the Director of the Company "Sarajevo-gas" East Sarajevo Nedeljko Elek, as the project leader and the Director of Company "Konvar" based in Belgrade,  Miloš Petrović as the Contractor, acting on part of the consortium of several partner companies.

"In Republic of Srpska, we have investments that are of such value that we can be proud. We are working on strategic projects that are compatible with the current events in the region and which are part of the energy development strategy of Republic of Srpska. I would like to thank everyone who participated in this project. The Government is planning the ways of financing, and what is most important, we are also working on highways, main and regional roads and everything else. We will have the investment momentum that was announced", Minić said.

The contract represents a comprehensive legal and technical framework for implementation of one of strategic energy projects in Republic of Srpska. The total value of the contract is approximately BAM 1.03 billion including VAT, and the project is being implemented with the institutional support of the Government of Republic of Srpska and is part of a broader strategy for the development of the energy sector until 2035.

Usage of gas as environmentally friendly fuel reduces emissions of harmful gases and thus contributes to environmental protection and improving of air quality in local communities.

The project for construction of the Šepak - Novi Grad main gas pipeline consists of three phases, the first of which includes construction of the primary main gas pipeline Šepak - Banja Luka.

The second phase includes construction of connecting gas pipelines to the cities and municipalities along the route, i.e. planned gasification of 18 local communities along the route.

The third phase includes construction of the main gas pipeline Banja Luka - Novi Grad.

The planned length of the two-way gas pipeline route is approximately 500 kilometers.