The citizens of
Nova Varoš, Priboj and Prijepolje recognized the importance of the construction
of the pumped-storage hydro power plant “Bistrica” during public consultations
with representatives of “Elektroprivreda Srbije” and “Energoprojekt
Hidroinženjering” on technical, social and environmental aspects of this
project.
- The construction of the PSHPP “Bistrica” will greatly contribute to
economic and economic development, tourism, as well as the improvement of road
infrastructure, but also the return of young professionals to this area - said
Predrag Šaponjić, Director of “Limske HPPs “.
During the two-day
public consultations in Nova Varoš, citizens, representatives of local
self-government, utility companies, non-governmental organizations,
“Srbijašume”, the Tourist Organization, the Ministry of the Interior, as well
as the residents of the villages of Rutoši, Čelice and Sjeništa, were presented
with all the most important segments of the project. In addition to the
technical details, the current study on environmental aspects was also
discussed, with special emphasis on the fact that all legal provisions will be
strictly respected.
The locals
expressed their readiness for expropriation to the extent necessary for the
implementation of this project of strategic importance for Serbia.
- The project for the construction of the PSHPP “Bistrica”, with a
capacity of about 650 megawatts, will ensure stable operation of the power
system in the future, better system flexibility and balancing capabilities, as
well as increased integration of renewable energy sources. A significant part
of the documentation has been done, the Preliminary Design has been completed,
the spatial planning documentation has been adopted, and a draft of the Impact
Assessment Study has been made. In parallel with the development of
documentation in accordance with the requirements of Serbian regulations,
intensive activities are underway to secure financing, as well as intensive
communication and cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA), which, with its expert support, is assessing the project in order to
carry out the process necessary for the approval of project financing in
parallel with the preparation of the documentation – said Aleksandar
Jakovljević, Executive Director for Investments and Development in “Elektroprivreda
Srbije“.
Yuriko Kudo, an
expert on social aspects of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),
also spoke to the citizens at the public consultation, and Branko Bjelic, the Mayor
of the municipality of Nova Varoš, was also present. Representatives of EPS and
“Energoprojekt Hidroinženjering” presented the project to the Mayors of the
municipalities of Priboj and Prijepolje, Lazar Rvović and Drago Popadić.
