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Preparations for the construction of a pump storage hydroelectric power plant are intensifying “Bistrica”, the most important strategic energy capacity, crucial for the energy future of Serbia and the region. The preparation of technical documentation is in the final phase, the first tender for preparatory infrastructure works has been announced, and after the adoption of the decision by the Government of the Republic of Serbia on determining the public interest for the expropriation of land and buildings, active discussions are underway with representatives of the municipal administrations of Nova Varoš and Priboj, in whose area this key energy capacity, with a capacity of around 660 megawatts, will be built.
The first discussions have also begun with property owners from Priboj and Nova Varoš regarding the expropriation process, currently for land needed for preparatory works related to the reconstruction of the existing and construction of missing infrastructure, such as the state road and water supply. Representatives of the “Elektroprivreda Srbije” explained the responsibilities and the next steps in the process to some of the residents and owners whose plots will be the first in the expropriation process. Such discussions will continue in the coming period, as activities related to the expropriation process develop.
Close cooperation of all participants is necessary and important for the further development of the project, and communication between the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the “Elektroprivreda Srbije” and the municipalities of Nova Varoš, Priboj and Prijepolje has been intensified. Mapping of adequate locations for the disposal of construction materials from the excavation of the future power plant and resolving the status of the unsanitary landfill “Druglići” were the main topics of the meeting by Aleksandra Dujanovića, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment, Milan Aleksić, Capital Investment Advisor at the Ministry of Mining and Energy, Aleksandar Jakovljević, Executive Director for Investment and Development in EPS, with the mayors representatives of Nova Varoš, Priboj and Prijepolje.
- The pump storage HPP “Bistrica” is the largest energy facility we are building in Serbia, which will not only strengthen the energy sector and the economy of the country, but will also affect the economy in these municipalities and, most importantly, ensure that the local population stays in this area and develops it. We are striving to meet all the necessary parameters and requirements in terms of environmental protection, aware that this project determines the energy future of Serbia and enables the safe connection of up to 1,500 megawatts of capacity using renewable energy sources. This is one of the strategic goals of our energy sector in the process of energy transition and decarbonization - said Milan Aleksić, Capital Investment Advisor at the Ministry of Mining and Energy.
It was agreed that in the coming period, the best solutions for the disposal of excavated material, as well as for resolving the status of the unsanitary landfill “Druglići”, will be found in joint communication between the ministries of economy, environmental protection, construction, transport and infrastructure, mining and energy, “Elektroprivreda Srbije” and municipalities in this area. It was also emphasized that the implementation of the pump storage HPP “Bistrica” project represents an opportunity to overcome certain infrastructural and communal challenges for the benefit of all stakeholders.
