Representatives from Serbia’s state-owned power utility EPS, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations held a presentation in Nova Varoš to discuss the construction of the Bistrica pumped-storage hydropower plant.
Aleksandar Jakovljević, Executive Director for Investments and Development at EPS, underlined the importance of the Bistrica project, calling it the most significant ongoing energy initiative in Serbia. The facility, with a planned capacity of around 650 MW, is featured in all of Serbia’s strategic energy documents. It is intended to ensure the stable functioning of the national energy system, improve system flexibility, support energy balancing, and enable greater integration of renewable energy sources as part of the country’s broader energy transition.
Jakovljević stated that a large portion of the necessary documentation has already been completed, including the conceptual design, spatial planning documents, and a draft environmental impact assessment study. Alongside these efforts, EPS is actively working to secure financing for the project. Collaboration is ongoing with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is conducting a project assessment required for financing approval.
The total estimated value of the project is slightly under one billion euros. Preparatory work is expected to begin in the spring of 2026. The construction will encompass a large area, including the Klak reservoir and tunnels that will link it to the powerhouse on the Lim River. One of the initial steps will involve relocating a section of state road 191, approximately two kilometers long, which is essential for further development in the Lim River region.
Jakovljević emphasized that the project will bring numerous benefits to the Polimlje region, which are expected to outweigh any potential negative impacts. He noted that the welfare of local communities has been a top priority throughout the planning process. Originally, a higher water level was proposed, but it posed a risk of mixing waters from the Lim and Uvac rivers in Radojinje Lake, which could have compromised the water supply in Priboj. To mitigate this risk, the planned water level was lowered by three meters, despite less favorable economic and energy performance indicators.
Filip Djordjević, Project Manager for HPP Bistrica, explained that the new facility will be located between the Uvac and Lim rivers. The Klak dam will be constructed on the Uvac River, roughly 7.5 kilometers downstream from the existing Radojinje dam. The new upper reservoir will have a total capacity of 108 million cubic meters, while the lower reservoir will rely on the existing Potpeć accumulation on the Lim River.
