The Serbian Government has designated the construction of the Đerdap 3 hydroelectric power plant (HPP) as a project of significant importance, announced the Ministry of Mining and Energy of Serbia (MRE).
According to the MRE’s statement on May 20th, this strategic installation along the Danube River is being developed in collaboration with Romania and stands as one of the largest projects in the region.
Teams have been assembled in both Serbia and Romania to spearhead the construction of this hydroelectric plant, with the completion of the general project and preliminary feasibility study marking significant progress.
Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, along with Romania’s Ambassador to Serbia, Silvia Davidoiu, convened in Belgrade on Monday to discuss these developments.
The commencement of the revitalization of the Đerdap 2 HPP is slated for 2025, following the refurbishment of the Đerdap 1 HPP and an extension of its operational lifespan by at least 30 years.
Đerdap 1 was commissioned in May 1972, while Đerdap 2 has been operational since 1985.
Located at the 1007th kilometer of the Danube, Đerdap 3 is envisioned as a reversible hydroelectric power plant. Water would be sourced from the Đerdap reservoir and pumped into two upper basins during periods of surplus electricity in Serbia’s power system. Conversely, during peak demand, it would function as a pumped-storage power plant.
The comprehensive capacity of all three power plants within the Đerdap system is projected to reach 2,400 megawatts.
The two existing hydroelectric power plants currently boast a combined capacity of 1,605 megawatts, contributing to 20 percent of the country’s annual electricity production.
Additionally, plans have been unveiled for the construction of a gas interconnector between Serbia and Romania. This project aims to diversify natural gas supplies and enhance security for consumers. The gas pipeline, stretching from Mokrin in Serbia to the Romanian border, spanning 13 kilometers with an estimated value of 12 million euros, is anticipated to be finalized by 2026.
The Romanian segment of the gas pipeline, spanning 85 kilometers, is being constructed with support from the European Union.
Furthermore, discussions centered on joint initiatives to augment electricity transmission capacity at the Serbian-Romanian border by approximately 500 megawatts.
