MAJOR INVESTMENTS AND PLANT REVITALIZATION PLANNED

VIŠEGRAD, NOVEMBER 28 /SRNA/ – The director of Hydroelectric Plants /HE/ on the Drina Nedeljko Perišić has said that over its 36 years of operation, the company has produced 33,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity, and announced significant investment projects as well as preparations for a major revitalization of the facility.

Perišić emphasized that the planned annual production of 910 gigawatt-hours is based on the historical flows of the Drina River through the hydroelectric plant, but noted that this year, HE on the Drina faced serious hydrological challenges.

"This year, unfortunately, we had many problems with hydrology. The same issue occurred last year. Nevertheless, today we managed to meet the monthly production target for November. It is worth noting that March and November are the only months this year in which we achieved the planned production," Perišić said, on the occasion of marking 36 years of operations.

According to him, instead of around 800 gigawatt-hours, which would have been produced according to the regular plan, HE on the Drina has reached 680, but recent rainfall brings optimism.

"Yesterday, we produced 7.3 gigawatt-hours, which is above the average daily output. If this trend continues, we could approach the annual target. Whether this will happen depends entirely on precipitation. We have completed all technical preparations to fully take advantage of any period of favorable hydrology," Perišić added.

He pointed out that the company is implementing significant investments at the Višegrad facility and is also working on new energy projects.

"We have investments aimed at maintaining operational readiness and the optimal use of water in production. In cooperation with our Chinese partner, three hydroelectric plants are being built on the Bistrica River, a tributary of the Drina, in the Foča municipality," Perišić said.

The director of HE on the Drina stressed that the strategic goal is to complete all administrative, technical, and legal documentation for the plant’s revitalization by the 40th anniversary of operations.

A ceremonial reception for journalists was organized as part of the 36th-anniversary celebrations, and HE on the Drina announced that in the coming years it will continue to enhance its production and technical capacities, supported by strong investments in energy infrastructure.