The electricity utility EPCG is making significant strides in the development of the Piva River hydropower project, known as HPP Kruševo. The company aims to complete essential project documentation by the end of this year, working closely with the French utility EDF. This collaboration is anchored in a memorandum that outlines potential roles for EDF across various project phases, including design and financing.
HPP Kruševo is projected to have an installed capacity of 82 MW, with an anticipated annual electricity output of approximately 170 GWh. Current geological investigations, which commenced in late 2025, are critical to establishing a foundation for subsequent development phases. These investigations are part of a contract with the Jaroslav Černi Institute for Water Management, signed in November 2024, which encompasses both detailed field research and project design.
EPCG’s immediate objective is to identify the most effective technical concept for the hydropower plant. One prominent option under consideration is transforming HPP Kruševo into a pumped-storage hydropower facility. This upgrade could significantly improve system flexibility and enhance grid balancing capabilities, aligning with broader energy management strategies.
Following the determination of the optimal technical solution, EPCG plans to prepare comprehensive technical documentation. This will be followed by initiating procedures necessary for signing an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract, which is vital for advancing the project’s construction phase.
While another hydropower initiative, HPP Komarnica, remains under evaluation, EPCG has prioritized HPP Kruševo for development. The future direction regarding Komarnica will depend on ongoing assessments and strategic planning outcomes. This prioritization reflects EPCG’s commitment to enhancing its renewable energy portfolio amid evolving energy policies and market demands.
