The thermal power plant Ugljevik in Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to reconnect to the electricity grid around April 20, 2024, after completing a scheduled maintenance overhaul. This maintenance, originally slated for September, was expedited due to the plant’s earlier shutdown caused by insufficient coal supplies.
The overhaul is projected to last approximately 45 days and is currently on track for completion by the expected date. If the timeline holds, the facility will resume regular production immediately following the maintenance period. The Ministry of Energy’s decision to accelerate the maintenance was accepted by the management of RiTE Ugljevik, emphasizing the urgency of restoring operations amid ongoing energy supply challenges.
Energy Minister Petar Djokic has indicated that alongside the maintenance work, preparations are being made for the exploitation of the Ugljevik Istok 2 coal deposit. This resource was secured by the government through a concession agreement with Comsar Energy RS, valued at around 123 million euros. The development of this coal deposit is critical for ensuring a stable fuel supply for the power plant in the future.
Since halting operations at the beginning of the year due to coal shortages, TPP Ugljevik has remained offline and has not generated electricity. The financial implications of this downtime have been significant; in 2025, the company reported a loss of 14.2 million euros, primarily attributed to lower revenues from electricity sales and prices that did not meet prior expectations.
The resumption of operations at TPP Ugljevik is crucial not only for local energy supply but also for addressing broader regional energy stability concerns. As Bosnia and Herzegovina navigates its energy landscape, maintaining operational capacity at key facilities like Ugljevik will be essential in mitigating supply disruptions and supporting economic recovery efforts.
