State power utility Elektroprivreda Bosne i Hercegovine (EPBiH) has adopted a three-year business plan that envisages investments of some EUR 850 million and electricity output at about 18,433 GWh, as well as an increase in renewable energy production and purchases against 2020. The priorities also include launching construction on small hydropower plants (SHPPs) on the Neretvica river during 2021, continuing the construction of hydropower plant (HPP) Vranduk, and creating conditions for further work on the Vlašić wind farm, HPP Janjići, and solar projects.

The 2021-2023 business plan also envisages completing the construction of the Podveležje wind farm and bringing it online on March 1, 2021.

Podveležje is expected to generate 100 GWh of electricity in 2021

Works on Podveležje, the Bosnian state power utility’s first wind farm, were launched in May. According to EPBiH’s business plan, the 48 MW wind farm, located near the city of Mostar, is projected to generate 100 GWh of electricity in 2021, and 120 GWh each in 2022 and 2023.

Wind farm Vlašić, also with an installed capacity of 48 MW, is expected to produce 115 GWh a year. Its construction will be financed with loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the German development bank KfW.

According to earlier reports, EPBiH also plans to develop 200 MW in solar power capacities at its closed coal pits.

Investment in coal-fired power plants is also planned

EPBiH’s three-year business plan also involves investment in coal-fired power plants, including building unit 7 and overhauling unit 6 at thermal power plant (TPP) Tuzla, as well as an overhaul of unit 7 at TPP Kakanj.

At the same time, EPBiH plans flue-gas desulfurization projects at TPP Tuzla’s power generation unit 6 and TPP Kakanj’s unit 7, while its strategic objective for the upcoming period is to bring the thermal power plants into line with the National Emission Reduction Plan (NERP), according to a statement from the company.

The business plan also envisages a EUR 35.8 million capital injection into coals mines and the procurement of 13.9 million tons of coal.