EPS plans solar and wind projects at coal-fired plant complex

State-controlled Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) called for offers in the procurement of a preliminary feasibility study with a general project for the construction of a solar power plant in the slag and ash pond of thermal power plant Kostolac A, located 100 kilometers east of Belgrade. It also placed a public invitation for an analysis of wind potential in the wider area of the outer disposal site for coal overburden at nearby Drmno open cut mine.

The aim of the first document is defining the conditions for a concept design for a solar plant of maximum possible capacity as well as a dynamic plan for producing technical documentation and building the facility in phases at the pond of 270 hectares. Expected cost for equipment, installing and functional tests is also needed, as well as securing preconditions for the location permit in the location, called Srednje kostolačko ostrvo, planned for closing.

The deadline for offers is September 4, EPS said. The location is also suitable for the utilization of geothermal energy, while solar power potential is estimated at up to 50 MW.

In the years preceding the release of the call for offers for the latter document’s procurement, measuring equipment had been set at Drmno site and its surroundings. It is estimated that a wind power plant of up to 60 MW would be suitable for the location.

Proposed spots for turbines may be in private land in the vicinity, and in that case a cost analysis would be needed for purchasing the land for EPS, project documentation said. The deadline for offers for the analysis is September 3, the public invitation said.