The justification study for the pump-storage hydropower plant Bistrica has been completed, with the final phase now focusing on obtaining location permits and preparing project documentation for relocating sections of state roads, transmission lines, and water pipelines.
This was discussed during the fourth session of the Government’s Working Group overseeing the construction of the project, where participants reviewed the progress of technical documentation and the next steps for implementation.
Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedović stressed the importance of better coordination between energy companies and relevant institutions. She highlighted the need to complete the revised Environmental Impact Assessment study by the end of the year, in line with the newly adopted regulations.
In late 2021, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that Serbia would invest between 600 and 700 million euros in the construction of the facility. The plant will be located in the Lim River watershed, near the existing hydropower plants Uvac, Bistrica, and Potpeć, with a total installed capacity of 680 MW across four units. The latest estimates place the project cost at 1.2 billion euros.
President Vučić stated that financing for the project is already secured and emphasized its role in stabilizing fluctuations in electricity production from wind and solar sources. He expects that by 2028, Serbia will generate enough electricity to become a net exporter.
In September, the Government of Japan approved the start of a preparatory study for a potential loan from JICA to support the project. A final decision on financing is expected in the second half of 2025.
