Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The implementation of a large number of investments and laying the foundation for further development were the priorities of NIS in 2024. Thus, as much as 53.2 billion dinars were invested in the modernization of the NIS Group, which is a record amount in the company’s history. The funds were invested in further development of technologies, procurement of modern equipment, improvement of plant reliability, as well as increasing energy efficiency. Investments were made in all business segments.

When it comes to oil and gas exploration and production, the year was marked by the acquisition of modern facilities and new mechanisation. Two new robotic drilling rigs were acquired, named after prominent domestic scientists – “Tesla” and “Pupin”. Their use increases work efficiency and optimizes costs, while achieving environmental effects through reduced exhaust emissions, smaller land footprint and significantly lower noise levels. In addition, NIS has purchased new machinery, namely 11 new machines of the latest generation, which will significantly contribute to improving work processes, efficiency and safety in the field and preserving the environment. These machines are used for the construction, reclamation and rehabilitation of NIS company sites, thereby improving working conditions, reducing the need for hiring third-party mechanization and increasing flexibility in the execution of works.

In 2024, the most complex and challenging overhaul of the Pančevo Oil Refinery was completed, which is now one of the most modern in this part of Europe. In addition to the Company’s employees, more than 2,000 external contractors were engaged in the overhaul and implementation of investment projects. The implemented activities enable the improvement of the reliability of the plant’s operation, as well as the improvement of industrial safety and energy efficiency at the Pančevo Oil Refinery. The operational availability indicator of the plant is 96.4%, which places the Pančevo Refinery among the best refinery plants in the world. In addition, the project to increase the reliability of the catalytic cracking plant (FCC) and modernize the most important rotary equipment continued. The focus in the further development of the NIS processing complex is on strengthening the efficiency and reliability of refining, digitalization, continuous improvement of energy efficiency and environmental protection.

In the area of retail, infrastructure development continued, with 10 more new or reconstructed facilities put into operation, including the strategically important petrol station “Adaševci” on the Belgrade – Zagreb highway. As part of the modernisation of the retail network, NIS has also worked intensively on improving the visual identity, comfort and efficiency of its facilities, and last year the interior of 11 Gazprom-branded petrol stations across Serbia was modernized. In addition, in 2024, two petrol stations – Zemun Quay and Pančevo 3 – were returned to the network after being out of service for the past few years.

In 2024, the reconstruction of the oil derivatives warehouse in Niš was completed, with the construction of three new 5,000 m3 tanks. A new railcar and tanker truck transfer station was also built, as well as a new pumping station. The construction of a bio-components transfer station with four tanks for this raw material was completed. In addition, the operation of the G11 and G12 aviation fuel tanks at the Novi Sad warehouse began. In retail, the implementation of new digital projects continued, and a self-service cash register project was launched at selected petrol stations. In addition to faster service, this innovation brings additional flexibility and greater comfort for consumers while purchasing.

Digital transformation projects have also been implemented in other segments of the Company, and NIS’s digital portfolio contains around 140 projects. As part of the research into new opportunities created by modern technologies, in 2024 the focus was on artificial intelligence – the possibility of applying artificial intelligence in the areas of corporate Pančevo Oil Refinery functions and in certain processes in Refining Block was examined, within which machine learning can increase efficiency. Modernisation and the acquisition of new technologies remains one of NIS’ priorities in the coming period.