Serbia’s planned Bistrica pumped-storage hydropower project has moved into a new development phase after environmental authorities defined the scope of an upcoming Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA is described as a mandatory step before construction can begin. The scope definition was issued following formal action by the competent authorities.
Ministry decision sets out EIA requirements for EPS
The decision was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection at the request of state-owned utility EPS. It outlines the key areas that must be thoroughly analyzed to determine potential environmental effects. The assessment is intended to support evaluation of compliance with environmental standards and broader sustainability objectives.
Under the Ministry’s decision, EPS is required to submit the completed EIA study for approval within one year after the ruling becomes legally effective. The EIA will therefore be prepared and reviewed under a defined timeline linked to when the decision takes legal effect.
Dam location and design parameters on the Uvac River
The proposed development involves building a new dam on the Uvac River near the Klak location. Project documentation places it about five kilometers downstream from the existing Radoinja dam. The dam is expected to reach around 100 meters in height.
According to the same documentation, the crest width would be 10 meters and the dam length could extend up to 400 meters. A reservoir would flood part of the Uvac valley between Klak and Radoinja. The project is located in the municipalities of Nova Varoš and Priboj.
The development is described as part of a wider hydropower system on the Uvac and Lim rivers. This positioning links the project to existing regional river infrastructure and related planning activities.
Impact categories and mitigation planning for construction and operation
Environmental authorities instructed that the EIA study cover impacts across water resources, soil, air quality, biodiversity, protected areas, local communities, and climate factors. The study must also assess cumulative impacts resulting from interaction with other existing or planned infrastructure in the region. Officials also required analysis across multiple environmental media rather than focusing on a single impact pathway.
Special attention is set for potential effects on surface and groundwater systems, aquatic ecosystems, and surrounding habitats. The final report must include mitigation measures designed to reduce or prevent negative environmental consequences during both construction and operation phases.
EIA basis for assessing compliance with environmental standards
Officials said that the Bistrica project is strategically important for Serbia’s energy system because it would provide large-scale energy storage capacity. They stated that this would support greater integration of renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Ministry’s decision frames the EIA as a basis for evaluating how the project aligns with environmental standards.
