Most technical issues for PSHPP Bistrica resolved – Expropriation underway, loan agreement signing slated for mid-next year

Most technical issues regarding the Bistrica Pumped-Storage Hydropower Plant (PSHPP Bistrica) project have been resolved, marking a significant step in the project's ongoing preparation. This was stated by Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, Minister of Mining and Energy in a caretaker capacity, following discussions with Kotaro Tanaka, Director General for the Middle East and Europe at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), regarding progress on one of the most critical projects in Serbia's energy sector.

– We are continuing our intensive cooperation to resolve the remaining issues as quickly as possible, thereby creating the conditions for financing approval and the launch of tenders for construction on the main facility. Our goal is to ensure that all activities remain aligned with the project's planned implementation timeline – the Minister said, adding that Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) had already begun land expropriation procedures.

During the meeting, it was noted that the signing of the loan agreement was scheduled for the middle of next year, coinciding with EXPO 2027.

– PSHPP Bistrica is the most important project in the Serbian energy sector. Therefore, it is crucial that JICA completes its internal procedures as soon as possible – the Minister stated.

Djedovic Handanovic emphasized the importance of close collaboration with Japanese partners to address remaining open issues more efficiently and ensure that established deadlines were met.

– We value our close cooperation with our Japanese partners in the implementation of this strategically important project. Over the recent period, we have organized six site visits by technical teams to assess progress, identify potential risks, and address outstanding issues in a timely manner. I have requested that our Japanese partners expedite their procedures while the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study, which incorporates their specific requirements, is being finalized. This study will be submitted to them in December – she stated.

Discussions also covered ongoing laboratory soil testing, which is crucial for defining the technical design of the dam for the PSHPP Bistrica project. The test results are expected within the next few weeks, at which point it will be determined whether any further adjustments to the technical project documentation are necessary. Furthermore, the participants discussed the timelines and conditions for land expropriation, the loan amount provided by JICA and various other technical matters.

Ministarstvo rudarstva i energetike Republike Srbije

Bistrica Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant

PSHPP Bistrica

Ministry of Mining and Energy

JICA

Dubravka Đedović Handanović

EXPO 2027