The Bajina Bašta pumped-storage hydropower plant in Serbia is nearing the completion of a significant overhaul that will elevate its operational capacity to 614 MW. This upgrade, spearheaded by the state utility company EPS, represents a critical enhancement of the country’s energy infrastructure. The second unit of the plant is currently in its final testing phase, with trial operations anticipated to commence within the next month.
During a recent inspection, EPS General Director Dušan Živković announced that the mechanical assembly of the second unit has been finalized and that it has successfully passed initial dry tests. Comprehensive system checks are scheduled before the unit transitions to trial operation in early March.
This modernization effort is crucial for bolstering the stability of Serbia’s national electricity grid. The upgraded facility is expected to enhance reliability and extend its operational lifespan, reinforcing its role as a strategic reserve for the power system. For over four decades, Bajina Bašta has played a vital role in managing peak consumption periods and mitigating the impacts of droughts by utilizing electricity stored in the Zaovine reservoir.
The first unit of the Bajina Bašta plant underwent a complete overhaul in 2024, and with the impending completion of the second unit, the facility’s longevity is projected to increase by several decades. This development underscores HPP Bajina Bašta’s importance as a unique asset within Serbia’s energy landscape and highlights EPS’s commitment to advancing renewable and flexible energy resources.
