The first revitalized unit at Serbia’s Bajina Basta pump-storage hydropower plant began a one-month trial operation on January 6, following successful tests. The plant operator, state-owned power utility EPS, announced that the refurbishment of the second unit is scheduled to start on March 1. After the trial operation of unit 1, a two-year warranty period will commence. In early February, Toshiba, the equipment supplier, alongside project contractors and the Nikola Tesla and Mihailo Pupin institutes, will officially hand over the first refurbished unit to EPS.
EPS General Director Dusan Zivkovic emphasized that the revitalization of HPP Bajina Basta enhances the security of Serbia’s energy system, increases reliability, and extends the operational life of one of the country’s most critical power plants. The plant plays a vital role as Serbia’s sole pump-storage HPP, serving as a crucial reserve during peak electricity consumption periods or droughts. Over its 42 years of operation, HPP Bajina Basta has proven to be indispensable in ensuring the security of electricity supply, with the Zaovine reservoir providing a reliable electricity reserve.
Located on the Drina River, on Serbia’s border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bajina Basta has a generation capacity of 614 MW.
