The Djerdap 1 hydropower plant is currently operating under limited water supply, which has significantly reduced its electricity production. This month, generation has averaged about 57% of both its installed capacity and the planned production target. Additionally, unit 6 of the plant is undergoing a major overhaul.
Ongoing drought conditions and unusually low water levels in the Danube River have led to inflows dropping to near-record lows, forcing the plant to scale back electricity output. Slobodan Stamenov, Director of Djerdap 1, noted that past water flows reached 1,770 cubic meters per second, with this year peaking at approximately 1,900. Despite this, July’s generation met only 57% of the target, significantly below the long-term average. Only two months since January achieved planned output levels due to more favorable water conditions.
Currently, only four of the plant’s six turbine units remain connected to the grid. While routine minor maintenance has been completed throughout the facility, the full refurbishment of unit 6 is expected to take 125 days.
Despite these limitations, Serbia’s overall electricity supply remains stable. Generation at Djerdap 1 is expected to improve once forecasted rains arrive and Danube water levels recover.
