The Ministry of Mining and Energy recently hosted the second session of the Special Working Group for the Bistrica reversible hydroelectric power plant project, focusing on the progress of technical documentation preparation.
Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović highlighted the significance of this year for completing the necessary technical documentation, paving the way for preparatory work to commence next year. She announced the completion of key studies such as the Conceptual Project, the Justification Study, the Study of Immovable Cultural Properties, and the Study on power plant connectivity to the transmission network. Additionally, the spatial plan for the project area will soon undergo government approval, determining the site conditions.
The minister disclosed ongoing efforts towards the environmental impact assessment study, slated for adoption post-public review by year-end. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the project’s building permit.
Minister Handanović also confirmed Japan’s government endorsement following a detailed technical review, affirming the Japanese International Cooperation Agency’s involvement in financing and constructing the RHE Bistrica. Emphasizing the project’s strategic importance, she reiterated that it marks Serbia’s first reversible hydroelectric plant in over three decades, boasting a substantial new energy capacity of 646 MW.
