Preparatory activities for the beginning of Vlasinske HPPs rehabilitation works are in line with the agreed dynamics, which creates the preconditions to start on-site construction works this autumn, beginning with the intake structure, said Dušan Živković, General Manаger of Elektroprivreda Srbije.
- For more than seven decades, Vlasinske HPPs have been a vital source of peak-load electricity for the power system our country. Through the modernization of equipment and the implementation of advanced technological solutions, this project will ensure more reliable system operation and greater availability of the units for the next 30 years at least. I expect the highest level of commitment from all partners involved in this highly complex and strategically important energy project to ensure that the planned schedule is met and that any additional costs are avoided – said Živković at the meeting with contractors and main subcontractors in Surdulica.
Rehabilitation involves the reconstruction and modernization of all units, auxiliary systems and hydro-mechanical equipment.
Živković highlighted that power system reliability is improved only through continuous investment.
- Thanks to the already completed revitalizations of the pumped-storage hydropower plant Bajina Bašta, as well as HPP Đerdap 1 and Zvornik, hydro sector of EPS is stronger by 172 MW today. This is the result of a long-term responsible investment cycle that will be continued in the years ahead, as modern and reliable production capacities are essential to ensuring energy stability of Serbia – said General Manager of EPS.
The meeting and the tour of Vlasinske HPPs was also attended by the representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.
Total value of the project is EUR 109.7 million, and the funding is realized through the EBRD loan in the amount of EUR 67 million, the European Union has provided a non-refundable grant in the amount of EUR 15.43 million through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), while the remaining EUR 27.26 million in funding is provided by EPS.
