EPS has announced its readiness for the winter season and is continuing the restoration of hydroelectric power plants. The government has adopted a decree to establish the spatial plan for the reversible hydroelectric power plant “Bistrica”, which is crucial for integrating electricity from solar and wind sources by the end of the decade.
Currently, Serbia operates one reversible hydroelectric power plant, “Bajina Bašta,” which is undergoing revitalization of its second unit to extend its operational lifespan by 25 years. Presently, Serbia generates 38% of its electricity from renewable sources, with EPS’s hydroelectric plants contributing approximately 30% of that total.
The Drina-Lim region features nine operational hydroelectric power plants, with “Bajina Bašta” being the most significant for both EPS and the national power system. Since its launch in 1982, it serves as a system reserve, making its revitalization a priority.
Dušan Trišić, director of energy production at the Drina-Lim power plants, explained that the reversible hydroelectric plant can operate in two modes: pumping and turbine. In pumping mode, excess energy from renewable sources is used to move water from a lower to an upper reservoir on Mount Tara. In turbine mode, this stored water is then used to generate electricity, particularly during peak demand periods.
Trišić emphasized that the current restoration efforts aim to extend the power plant’s lifespan without increasing its output, ensuring enhanced reliability. The overhaul of all units is nearly complete, with the first reversible unit expected to finish revitalization by the end of December, confirming operational readiness for winter.
Despite a dry summer impacting inflows in the Drina-Lim basin, Trišić noted recent improvements and anticipates a significant increase in inflows and electricity production in the last two months of the year.
