The Bajina Bašta pumped-storage hydropower plant in Serbia is currently undergoing a significant modernization process, entering the final phase of its overhaul. This crucial upgrade, managed by the state-owned utility company EPS, aims to enhance the facility’s operational capabilities and increase its pumped-storage capacity to 614 MW. The second unit of the plant is in the last stages of testing, with expectations for trial operations to commence within a month.
EPS General Director Dušan Živković recently confirmed that all mechanical assembly work for the second unit has been finalized and that it has successfully passed initial dry tests. The completion of final system checks will precede the unit’s trial operation anticipated for early March. This development is pivotal as it represents a substantial investment in Serbia’s energy infrastructure, which is vital for maintaining grid stability.
The modernization project not only aims to improve the reliability of Serbia’s electricity supply but also extends the operational lifespan of Bajina Bašta, which has served as a strategic reserve for over four decades. The plant plays a critical role during periods of peak electricity consumption and drought by utilizing energy stored in the Zaovine reservoir. This enhancement aligns with broader efforts to ensure energy security and sustainability within the national grid.
Previously, the first unit of Bajina Bašta underwent a complete overhaul in 2024, which set the stage for this latest upgrade. With both units now modernized, the facility is positioned to provide renewed pumped-storage capacity crucial for balancing supply and demand in Serbia’s evolving energy market. HPP Bajina Bašta continues to be regarded as an essential asset in EPS’s strategy focused on renewable and flexible energy resources.
