The process for a new environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Buk Bijela hydropower plant, which has a capacity of 118.1 MW, is now underway as public consultation has been opened. This development follows the annulment of the previous environmental permit in January 2025, necessitating an updated study due to the revocation of the 2019 permit prior to its expiration. The project developer, HES Gornja Drina, has been directed to restart the permitting process and conduct a comprehensive assessment of cross-border environmental impacts in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
The Buk Bijela project will encompass several critical components, including a dam, powerhouse, reservoir, and discharge structures. Additionally, riverbed excavation is planned to enhance hydraulic head. The construction phase will involve temporary facilities, access roads, worker accommodations, and two mobile concrete plants located on opposite banks of the river. Notably, land expropriation for the dam has already been finalized. This hydropower initiative is part of the Upper Drina hydropower system, which also includes existing facilities such as Foca, Sutjeska, and Paunci power plants. The total concession value for this comprehensive project exceeds €430 million.
In September 2022, the Government of the Republic of Srpska approved modifications to the concession agreement with Serbia that extend deadlines and increase installed capacity. The revised schedule allocates 30 months for preparatory work and permitting processes, followed by an additional 66 months dedicated to construction and trial operations. As a result of this timeline adjustment, construction activities are not anticipated to commence before March 2028, with project completion expected by late 2033. The budget for preparatory activities is estimated at approximately €11 million, while total construction expenditures are projected to be around €238 million.
