Thermal Power Plant (TPP) Ugljevik in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been non-operational since January 1, 2026, due to a significant fire incident that occurred on December 30, 2025. This event has resulted in the plant’s disconnection from the power grid, raising concerns about regional energy supply stability.
The outage was attributed to a failure in the slag removal system, which has been linked to human error. Reports indicate that malfunctions in the crusher and ash-handling systems led to a backlog of slag accumulation. This situation culminated in mechanical damage and a subsequent fire within the facility.
The incident posed serious safety risks, particularly due to the presence of large quantities of coal dust in the boiler area. The potential for ignition was high, raising fears of an explosion; however, it is noteworthy that no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
<pAdditionally, sources suggest that routine boiler washing—a critical safety procedure—has not been conducted for several years. The existing dust-removal strategy relies primarily on suction, which has proven inadequate in preventing the self-ignition of coal dust. This negligence could lead to further equipment damage and heightened risks for personnel working at the plant.
As of now, there has been no official statement from TPP Ugljevik’s management regarding the incident or plans for resuming operations. The prolonged shutdown raises questions about future electricity generation capacity in the region and emphasizes the need for improved operational protocols and safety measures within Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy sector.
