Austrian engineering firm Andritz has been contracted to supply ten turbines for the modernization of Serbia’s Vlasina hydropower plants, marking a significant step in the refurbishment of one of the country’s oldest hydroelectric assets. This project aims to enhance the operational efficiency and extend the lifespan of the Vlasina cascade, which has been a cornerstone of Serbia’s electricity generation since its inception in 1955.
The contract, awarded through Energotehnika Južna Bačka, is valued in the low double-digit million euro range. The Vlasina cascade, located on the Vrla River, currently has an installed capacity of approximately 130 MW. Following the upgrades, an additional 8 MW is anticipated, which will improve both reliability and operational longevity of the facilities.
Andritz is tasked with overseeing the design, production, installation, and commissioning of four Pelton turbines and six Francis turbines. Notably, the project has been structured to ensure that electricity generation continues uninterrupted during reconstruction efforts, thus maintaining power supply stability for consumers.
This modernization initiative is part of a broader revitalization program led by state-owned utility EPS and supported by international financial entities such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The total investment for this project is estimated at nearly €110 million, with implementation officially commencing in February after a launch meeting involving EPS and its project partners.
The financing framework includes a €67 million loan from EBRD, alongside a €15.43 million grant from the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), supplemented by €27.26 million from EPS itself. Other key participants in this endeavor include Gamesa Electric and subcontractor Gosa Montaža, with control system upgrades being managed by the Mihajlo Pupin Institute. Oversight for the project is provided by a Swiss-Serbian consortium known as Gruner-NET Invest.
EPS CEO Dušan Živković highlighted that modernizing hydropower assets like those at Vlasina is critical for Serbia’s energy strategy. He pointed out that while the nominal capacity of the Vlasina system stands at 129 MW, upgrading four distinct plants with over 70 years of operation presents considerable challenges.
The Vlasina hydropower plants are integral to EPS’s generation portfolio due to their operation within a cascade system, which allows for efficient electricity production across successive stages. This configuration not only aids in peak-load generation but also reinforces their importance within Serbia’s overall electricity infrastructure.
