The modernization of the Vlasinske hydropower plants has officially commenced, marking a significant step in enhancing Serbia’s energy infrastructure. The project, valued at €109.7 million, is spearheaded by Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), which has engaged various contractors and supervisory entities to oversee the implementation phase.
Key components of the project include an engineering contract awarded to Energotehnika Južna Bačka, with core generator equipment being supplied by Andritz Hydro and Gamesa Electric. The Mihajlo Pupin Institute will manage the overhaul of command and control systems, while project supervision will be conducted by the Swiss-Serbian consortium Gruner-NET Invest.
Funding for this extensive upgrade is sourced from multiple channels. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is contributing a loan of €67 million, supplemented by a €15.43 million grant from the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). EPS will finance the remaining €27.26 million from its own resources.
The Vlasinske hydropower plants, which have an installed capacity of 129 MW, comprise four interconnected facilities with ten generating units that have been operational for over 70 years. EPS CEO Dušan Živković has indicated that this modernization effort aims to extend the operational life of the plants, enhance their output, and improve long-term reliability.
These facilities play a crucial role in EPS’s portfolio, functioning as a cascade system that generates electricity sequentially across multiple plants. This configuration is particularly advantageous for peak load balancing within Serbia’s national electricity network, ensuring stability and efficiency in energy supply.
