Thermal power plant Pljevlja resumed operation on the morning of 30 November after completing an extensive, months-long reconstruction project worth 70 million euros. Acting EPCG CEO Bojan Djordan stated that the initial restart proceeded smoothly, adding that the coming period will be crucial in determining whether all newly installed systems function at the required standards.
The next stage of the process involves activating the full range of flue-gas treatment systems designed to ensure compliance with European Union emission regulations. These technologies are intended to significantly reduce harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. The overhaul of TPP Pljevlja is one of Montenegro’s most important energy and environmental projects, forming a key part of the country’s decarbonization agenda and commitments along its EU accession path. EPCG and the Ministry of Energy emphasized that current and planned investments focus on sustainable, green solutions that maintain affordable electricity while advancing alignment with EU strategic goals.
The reconstruction represents one of Montenegro’s most demanding industrial undertakings in recent years and aims to bring the plant into full compliance with European industrial emissions standards, dramatically lowering its environmental impact. According to plant director Žarko Čačić, the upgrades are expected to substantially reduce the facility’s effects on air, water, and soil quality.
A central element of the modernization is the installation of a flue-gas desulfurization system, which will reduce sulfur oxide emissions more than thirtyfold. Ivan Starovlah, deputy manager of the environmental reconstruction, explained that sulfur oxides pose serious health risks because they form sulfuric acid when they come into contact with moisture in the lungs, damaging alveoli and contributing to chronic respiratory diseases.
With the plant now back online, Montenegro will closely monitor its performance as it continues to advance broader energy-transition efforts and build a cleaner, more resilient national power system.
