Serbia’s state power utility EPS has opened a tender for consultancy services to revise procurement documentation for the planned 660 MW Bistrica pumped-storage hydropower plant. The updated package is intended to be submitted for approval by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) before an international construction tender is launched. The assignment is expected to run for 10 months, with bids due by Oct. 6.
Scope of work for JICA-aligned procurement package
The existing documentation was prepared by Energoprojekt Hidroinzenjering and is set to serve as the basis for procurement of the main construction contract. The contract expected under the revised documentation would cover civil works, equipment manufacturing and supply, installation of hydromechanical, mechanical and electrical systems, and subsequent testing and commissioning. Prior to starting procurement of the main contractor, the documentation must be aligned with JICA requirements.
The selected consultant will update the procurement package using JICA’s standard procurement documents and the 2017 FIDIC Yellow Book. The consultancy work includes reviewing Particular Conditions that amend the standard FIDIC General Conditions to reflect Serbian legislation and project-specific requirements. It also involves identifying inconsistencies and recommending changes required for JICA approval.
Bistrica project configuration and operational parameters
After JICA approves the final procurement documentation, EPS plans to proceed with an international tender under JICA rules for projects financed through Japanese official development assistance. The Bistrica scheme would connect a new Klak reservoir on the Uvac river with the existing Potpec reservoir on the Lim via tunnels and pipelines. The design calls for four reversible Francis units.
The plant is specified with a maximum gross head of about 380 metres. It is designed to generate at a flow rate of 216 cubic metres per second and pump at a flow rate of 168 cubic metres per second. The project is intended to provide large-scale storage and balancing capacity by absorbing electricity during periods of lower demand and returning it to the grid during tighter system conditions.
