Contract signed for preliminary feasibility study and Spatial Plan for Special-Purpose Area for RHPP Djerdap 3 worth EUR 2.6 billion – Job awarded to consortium led by “Jaroslav Cerni” Institute

The Ministry of Mining and Energy has signed a contract for the preparation of part of the project-technical documentation for the Djerdap 3 reversible hydroelectric power plant with a consortium of companies led by the “Jaroslav Cerni” Water Institute.

As announced, the contract covers the preparation of a preliminary feasibility study, including the general design, and a special-purpose spatial plan, accompanied by a strategic environmental impact assessment.

– RHPP Djerdap 3 represents one of the most important strategic projects for the future of Serbia’s electric power system. Depending on its capacity, Djerdap 3 has the potential to become Europe’s largest natural battery, that is, energy storage facility – said the responsible minister, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic.

She stated that the project’s implementation would enable greater integration of renewable energy sources from Serbia and the Southeast European region, provide significant capacity for balancing the power system, further enhance the country’s energy security, and strengthen its position in the regional market.

The RHPP Djerdap 3 project envisages utilizing the Danube’s available hydropower potential through a phased construction approach, featuring potentially two upper reservoirs in the Severni Kucaj area and a powerhouse on the right bank of the Danube, approximately 64 kilometers upstream from the existing Djerdap 1 Hydropower Plant.

Analyses conducted to date have considered various project development options, while initial plans project a capacity of up to 1,800 MW, with an estimated investment value of around EUR 2.6 billion and the potential for future expansion.

The final technical concept, capacity, and investment value will be determined through the further preparation and review of project-technical documentation.

The minister stated that the signing of the contract with the “Jaroslav Cerni” Institute marked the transition of the RHPP Djerdap 3 project from the analysis and consideration phase to the concrete implementation phase.

– In parallel with the preparation of documentation, we will intensify discussions with the Romanian side regarding all relevant project issues concerning both countries, in order to align all necessary elements for its further implementation on time. The basis for this is the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Romanian Government this summer – she said.

According to the Minister, negotiations are currently underway with the US company Bechtel, the only firm to meet the criteria to proceed with the negotiation process initiated by the public call for a project partner, published in June of this year, pursuant to the agreement on strategic cooperation in the energy sector between Serbia and the USA.

– The state’s goal is to complete the project documentation in the shortest possible time, and no later than the end of 2029, so that construction on this new energy facility can begin as soon as possible – the minister concluded.

Jaroslav Černi Water Institute Belgrade

Bechtel

Ministry of Mining and Energy

Reversible Hydro Power Plant Đerdap 3

RHPP Đerdap 3

Dubravka Đedović Handanović