The project is of immense importance not only for EPS, but also for Serbia and Europe, because smooth freight traffic along the large European river such as the Danube depends on the shiplock operated by the hydroelectric power plant Djerdap 1.
The Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of Serbia and the European Innovation and Networks Executive Agency signed a grant agreement to revitalise the shiplock of the hydroelectric power plant Djerdap 1 operated by EPS. Signing of an EU grant agreement with the Serbian Government was also attended by the acting director of Elektroprivreda Srbije.
– This project is of immense importance not only for EPS, but also for Serbia and Europe, because smooth freight traffic along the large European river such as the Danube depends on the shiplock operated by the hydroelectric power plant Djerdap 1. The shiplock together with the hydroelectric power plant Djerdap 1 has been in continuous operation from its commissioning, for 47 years, thanks to the knowledge and skills of EPS employees. During this time, over 390,000 ships and 230 million tons of goods passed through the shiplock – Grcic said.
Zorana Mihajlovic, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, said that the modernisation of the shiplock will enable the number of ships to increase from the current 6,000 to 9,700 annually and accelerate the flow of goods.
– This project is the beginning of a major investment into the Serbian waterways. We expect the Djerdap 1 shiplock revitalisation to start in 2018 and last two years. The agreement we signed will enable Serbia to utilise an EU grant of 14 million euros – Mihajlovic said.
Dirk Bekers, Executive Director of the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency, said that the revitalisation of the shiplock will increase energy efficiency and contribute to better connections of the countries along the Danube.
The total value of the project is 28.5 million euros. The remaining funds will be secured from the Serbian budget between 2018 and 2020.
