Serbia looking at investments of EUR 1.5 billion in reconstruction of TPPs HPPs alone

Projects for the reconstruction, modernization and expansion of existing capacities of hydro and thermal power plants in Serbia will be worth around EUR 1.5 billion, and most of them will be implemented in the next five years, according to the recently adopted Program for the Implementation of the Energy Development Strategy of Serbia until 2040 for the period from 2026 to 2028.

57.5 billion dinars (almost half a billion euros) will be invested in the revitalization of existing hydropower plants with the construction of one new unit of the Potpec HPP with modest capacities, while in the thermal sector, capital repairs of certain units and further construction of desulfurization plants are planned. The value of these investments is 126.2 billion dinars (just over a billion euros).

The largest environmental projects

The most valuable works in the thermal power plant sector are two environmental projects. One is the project to build a desulfurization plant for TENT B, in which EUR 226 million will be invested and which should be completed by the end of this year.

As stated in the document, the construction of flue gas desulfurization plants for both TENT B units is expected to reduce the total amount of sulfur dioxide emissions and reduce them to a level of 130 mg/Nm3, as well as reduce the emission of dust particles to below 20 mg/Nm3.

The second is the introduction of a primary and secondary reduction system for nitrogen oxides and the construction of a desulfurization and wastewater treatment plant at TEP Kostolac, a project with a total value of EUR 201 million, which should be completed by the end of 2029.

This is a project that is being implemented with the aim of introducing a primary and secondary reduction system for nitrogen oxides, reducing sulfur dioxide emissions to a level of around 150 mg/Nm3, as well as dust particles emissions to less than 20 mg/Nm3. The goal is also to reduce the emission of hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride gases.

The project will include blocks A1 and A2, with a capacity of 100 and 210 MW, respectively, and will enable the extended operation of the existing thermal power units.

EUR 700 million for TENT alone

TENT expects several more capital and other overhauls, primarily the second phase of the revitalization of the capital overhaul of TENT B2, in which EUR 144 million will be invested, with a planned completion date of 2028.

The same year, the works worth EUR 58 million on the capital overhaul of TENT A6, which will contribute to the reduction of nitrogen oxides, should be completed. The overhauls of TENT A1 and TENT A2 are also planned, which will cost a total of EUR 60 million by 2030, when the works are expected to be completed.

The investments in the largest thermal power plant in Serbia do not end there, as the ash and slag transport system at TENT A will also be replaced, which will cost EUR 168 million, with a construction deadline of 2029.

It is also interesting that a project is planned to build a cargo port to enable river transport of coal for the needs of TENT, transport of limestone for desulfurization, as well as the placement of ash and gypsum for commercial purposes. The investment is worth EUR 75 million and is also planned to be completed in 2029.

TENT B should also get a new coal dump and a transport system from the dock to the TENT B dump by the end of 2028, for which EUR 45 million is planned.

Investments in TENT alone will amount to around EUR 700 million.

As for the thermal sector, the adaptation of blocks A1 and A2 in the Kostolac TPP is also planned, which will cost a total of around EUR 100 million and should be implemented in the period until 2034.

The only new capacity in HPPs

When it comes to hydro capacities, the plan is to complete the complete revitalization and increase the power of HPP Djerdap 2 in phases by 2038, for which EUR 230 million is planned.

By revitalizing one unit per year, it is planned to modernize all ten units of the Djerdap 2 HPP over a ten-year period. The power of each unit would be increased from 27 MW to 32 MW, and the operating life of the power plant would be extended for a new exploitation period of 30 years.

A similar plan is in place for the Vlasina HPPs, where the replacement of the complete mechanical and electrical equipment of the Vlasina HPPs power plant units (HPP Vrla 1 to HPP Vrla 4), as well as the accompanying auxiliary systems of the power plants due to the expiration of the equipment’s operating life, is planned. The new equipment of the units (turbines and generators) will be of a modern design, with increased power and efficiency.

The completion of the works is expected in 2031.

The same deadline is planned for the adaptation of the Bistrica HPP, which includes the replacement or rehabilitation of the capital equipment of the units without increasing the installed power, with an investment of EUR 60 million.

The only new capacity for electricity production in existing energy plants is the construction of the 4th unit and the revitalization of the Potpec HPP, which will be completed in 2031 and cost EUR 91 million.

Program for the Implementation of the Energy Development Strategy of Serbia

TENT renewal

TENT B

HPP Đerdap

Vlasina HPPs

HPP Potpeć

HPP Bistrica