Chinese interested in building and financing HPP Buk Bijela

The minister of industry, energy and mining of Republika Srpska, Petar Djokic, visited the Buk Bijela location on the Drina in the municipality of Foca, where a hydro power plant is to be raised, together with representatives of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) this Thursday.

After a meeting with the representatives of the Chinese company and the head of the municipality of Foca, Radisav Masic, Djokic told the press that the selection of a partner for the construction of the HPP Buk Bijela was yet to follow and that AVIC had shown a great interest in taking part in the project.

– It is of great importance to us that such a large company, which has 500,000 employees, has shown an interest in being a partner to Republika Srpska. There are other interested companies as well, we'll see who ends up in the final round and who makes the best bid – Djokic said.

He reminded that the concept of the construction of hydro power plants Buk Bijela, Foca and Paunci in the Upper Drina system had been changed with the inclusion of Serbia, with which Republika Srpska would build these capital facilities.

– The Chinese are interested in financing and building the facilities. That is the model they've offered. They are not interested in entering the capital and haven't made such offers. Instead, they want to be our partners in financing and construction – Djokic clarified.

He noted that the Buk Bijela was prepared to a large extent.

– The basic infrastructure is prepared, the access roads are there, as are accommodation facilities, water supply, power, and a high-voltage network is located near the facilities, capable of taking the energy which will be produced there – Djokic said.

He said that the company was also interested in building three small HPPs on the Bistrica and one on the Janjina, which would have installed power of 45 MW altogether and would be built by Elektroprivreda Srpske.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China

AVIC

HPP Buk Bijela

construction of HPP Buk Bijela

Upper Drina system

HPP Paunci

HPP Foča

Petar Đokić