Cooperation between electric power industries as a path leading to energy stability
Serbia is expanding its energy frontiers. The hydropower system of Gornja Drina in the Republic of Srpska and HPP Komarnica in Montenegro are the projects for secure future
Joint investments of Electric Power Industry of Serbia and electric power industries of the Republic of Srpska and of Montenegro into the construction of new hydropower plants shall contribute to the strengthening of the region, energy stability and increase in green energy share. Development of the projects and strong cooperation of electric power industries were discussed during the meetings that Milorad Grčić, PE EPS acting director, held with EPCG and ERS leaders.
– Electric power industries of Serbia and of the Republic of Srpska shall complete the successful construction of Gornja Drina hydropower plants and they have a possibility to work together on new projects and investments – said Mr. Grčić and Mr. Luka Petrović, ERS acting director.
On 5th November, they held a meeting in EPS headquarters in Belgrade discussing the progress of the project relating to the Gornja Drina hydropower system, potential joint projects, exchange of electricity, possibilities to align the plans for overhauls of power plants and cooperation enhancement.
– One of the manners of cooperation with ERS is the project we initiated together on the construction of Gornja Drina HPPS with hydropower plants Buk Bijela, Foča and Paunci, having the total value of EUR 520 million, which shall generate approximately 700 million kilowatt-hours annually. The importance of such a project is particularly evident in the time of the crisis in Europe and worldwide. Serbia is expanding its energy borders and all the people living left of the Drina river shall gain security – highlighted Mr. Grčić.
He recalled that, at the beginning of the week, he talked with the leaders of Elektroprivreda Crne Gore and added that Komarnica HPP Project with EPCG is one step from the beginning of implementation.
– Those two projects of electricity generation from renewable sources are important for the future of EPS as well, and prove that EPS not only behaves as the leader in the region when it comes to electricity generation, but it also fits the policy of Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, the president of Serbia, on “Open Balkans” – said Mr. Grčić.
– Srednja Drina hydropower system is an important project for EPS and ERS as well, in which three hydropower plants would be constructed between Višegrad and Bajina Bašta, having the total value of EUR 870 million, installed capacity of 320 megawatts, and annual generation of 1,200 MWh. We talked with the representatives of Elektroprivreda BiH, and we would like all interested energy entities to be a part of this project – emphasized Mr. Petrović
He added that EPS also showed interest to participate in some way in Boka HPP Project at the Sutorina location, which is being developed by ERS and EPCG. Boka HPP would have an installed capacity of 250 megawatts and an annual generation of approximately 1,330 MWh.
During the meeting held on 1st November, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EPCG Milutin Đukanović said that the power energy sector had no boundaries and that all projects of common interest were to be implemented as soon as possible.
– We are witnessing an accelerated energy transition and prices of energy resources that cause concern. It would not be very wise to rely only on our own resources. I am convinced that the teams leading at the moment EPCG and EPS will not only start but also succeed significantly in implementing the project of HPP Komarnica – said Đukanović.
As Mr. Grčić said, the Komarnica hydropower plant on the territory of Montenegro should have installed a capacity of 155 megawatt-hours, the expected value of the investment around EUR 265 million out of which 51 % would be financed by EPCG, and 49 % by EPS.
– Beginning of implementation is possible, realistic and very close – highlighted Mr. Grčić and added that Komarnica met the wish to increase capacities for generation of green energy while preserving the thermal sector.
Interconnecting meaning strengthening the region
Electric power industries of Serbia and Montenegro initiate stronger cooperation which is extremely important for the energy stability and security of both states and the entire region. – This is important for the future stability of electricity generation and supply of both states, particularly considering the energy crisis affecting Europe and the rest of the world. Respecting the policy of the president of the Republic of Serbia and the economic integration of countries in the region, cooperation strengthening can yield positive results – said Mr. Grčić.