The revitalization of the first unit of the Bajina Bašta pumped storage hydroelectric power plant (RHE), one of the most significant investments for Serbia’s state-owned energy company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), is nearing its final stages, EPS announced. The 450-ton rotor has successfully been lowered into the stator of the generator.
Slobodan Spasojević, Head of the Mechanical Maintenance Service at the Bajina Bašta Hydroelectric Plant, stated that the complex, several-hour-long operation required reliable crane and hoist operations, specialized cables, an experienced team, and favorable weather conditions. “All conditions were met, and the job was well done,” he emphasized.
The project is led by the Japanese company Toshiba, with subcontractors including Goša Montaža, Elektromontaža, and Elektroremont, while the supervision and crane operations are managed by the Bajina Bašta Hydroelectric Plant team.
EPS also outlined the next steps, including connecting the rotor to the shaft, installing the upper generator cross, and setting the upper generator bearing.
The revitalization of the first unit will be completed this year, while work on the second unit is planned for next year. The full completion of the revitalization will ensure the continued operation of the pumped storage hydroelectric plant for decades to come.
This extensive revitalization project at Bajina Bašta comes 42 years after the plant’s commissioning and 20 years after its last major overhaul in 2004, when key components such as the working wheel and guide vanes were not replaced.
Revitalization of the first unit (R1) at the Bajina Bašta pumped storage hydroelectric plant began on April 1st of this year.
