Austrian engineering firm Andritz has been contracted to supply ten new turbines for the modernization of Serbia’s Vlasina hydropower plants. This initiative is part of a comprehensive refurbishment program aimed at enhancing the operational lifespan and efficiency of one of the nation’s oldest hydroelectric facilities, which has been integral to Serbia’s energy landscape since its inception.
The contract, awarded through local company Energotehnika Južna Bačka, is valued in the low double-digit million euro range. The Vlasina cascade, located on the Vrla River, comprises four hydropower plants that have been operational since 1955, currently generating approximately 130 MW of installed capacity. Post-upgrade, an increase of 8 MW is anticipated, significantly bolstering the reliability and longevity of this critical energy infrastructure.
As part of this agreement, Andritz will oversee the design, manufacturing, and installation supervision for ten turbine units, which include four Pelton turbines and six Francis turbines. Notably, the project is designed to maintain electricity generation throughout the refurbishment process, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to power supply stability.
This modernization effort is led by state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) and receives backing from international financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The overarching goal is to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability while simultaneously fortifying Serbia’s renewable energy capacity. The total investment for the Vlasina revitalization project is estimated at nearly €110 million, having officially commenced its implementation phase earlier this year after a collaborative launch meeting involving EPS and various project stakeholders.
In addition to Andritz Hydro and Energotehnika Južna Bačka, other key players in this project include Gamesa Electric and subcontractor Gosa Montaža. The Mihajlo Pupin Institute will be responsible for upgrading the control systems, while oversight will be managed by the Swiss-Serbian consortium Gruner-NET Invest. The financing framework consists of a €67 million loan from EBRD, a €15.43 million EU grant via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), and €27.26 million sourced from EPS.
EPS CEO Dušan Živković highlighted the strategic significance of modernizing hydropower assets in Serbia’s energy portfolio and emphasized adherence to the project timeline. He acknowledged that while the nominal capacity of the Vlasina system stands at 129 MW, the complexity arises from upgrading four distinct plants and ten generating units that have been operational for over seven decades.
The Vlasina hydropower plants play a unique role within EPS’s generation framework as they operate in a cascade system that generates electricity in successive stages. This configuration not only makes them vital for peak-load generation but also underscores their importance within Serbia’s overall electricity supply network.
