7-month shutdown of TPP Pljevlja planned for 2024 as part of ecological reconstruction

The ongoing ecological reconstruction of Montenegro’s thermal power plant (TPP) Pljevlja will not require a temporary shutdown during 2023, but a 7-month stoppage in the plant’s operation is planned for 2024, according to Zoran Šljukić, who manages the overhaul project.

Šljukić confirmed for Vijesti that the ecological reconstruction will be completed by October 15, 2024, to be followed by a 5-month trial operation period.

Šljukić: TPP Pljevlja’s ecological reconstruction will be completed by October 15, 2024

The reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja, which is expected to bring the coal-fired power plant’s nitrogen, sulfur and particulate matter emissions into line with EU regulations, and extend its lifespan, was launched in April this year.

Šljukić noted that CO2 emissions are not covered by the ecological reconstruction as they are taxed in Montenegro, at EUR 24 per ton, with revenues going towards environmental projects.

The plant, operated by state power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), must meet EU standards in order to continue to operate, as was agreed with the Energy Community Secretariat under the opt-out regime. TPP Pljevlja, with a capacity of 225 MW, accounts for 40% of Montenegro’s domestic electricity production.

The installation of equipment is expected to begin in March 2023

Building works are going as planned, and a third has already been completed. All of the building works are expected to be finished by the end of October this year, and the installation of equipment is planned to begin in March 2023, according to Šljukić.

The equipment from China is due to arrive in Montenegro in December, according to the article. The reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja is being carried out by a consortium led by China’s Dongfang Electric International Corp.