Serbian state utility EPS is preparing a €65 million modernisation of the 104 MW Bistrica hydropower plant. The project targets extending the operating life of the 65-year-old facility by at least another three decades. EPS said the overhaul is designed to improve efficiency and reliability while keeping the plant’s installed capacity unchanged.
Output expectations and financing for Bistrica upgrade
EPS expects annual generation to rise from around 330 GWh to as much as 350 GWh. The higher output would depend on hydrological conditions. Financing has been secured through a European Investment Bank loan and a €7.5 million grant from the Western Balkans Investment Framework.
Scope of works and control system changes
EPS is in the final phase of contractor selection, with the full modernisation expected to take no more than four years after work begins. Both generating units will receive new generators, while turbines, governing equipment and intake gates will be replaced. The project also includes reconstruction of the 35 kV switchgear.
The upgrade will replace analogue relay controls with a modern distributed-control system. A new central SCADA platform will support the change, along with additional automation and monitoring equipment. EPS said the focus is on extracting more production from the same water resource while lowering maintenance requirements and extending the life of one of its oldest hydro assets.
