Serbia’s EPS mulls using heat pumps at its hydropower plants

State-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije intends to commission a study of the potential use of heat pumps at four hydropower plants in southwestern Serbia. The call lasts until February 10.

As technology advances, energy companies are increasingly turning to solutions based on renewable sources as well as combining them with existing systems that also don’t pollute, while emitting little to no greenhouse gases. Serbian state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) is heading in the same direction. It launched a tender for technical documentation – a study on the possibilities of deploying heat pumps in the structures of Limske hidroelektrane. It is a business unit operating four hydropower plants.

The aim is to improve the efficiency of the utilization of energy. Bids are accepted until February 10. Notably, the types of possible heat pumps isn’t determined.

With an estimated budget of RSD 3.8 million (EUR 32.400), the contractor will have 150 days to deliver the service.

Limske hidroelektrane, based in the town of Nova Varoš, has hydropower plants in the Lim river basin in southwestern Serbia. It is part of EPS’s branch Drinsko-limske hidroelektrane.

The contractor must propose a solution and calculate the energy efficiency and climate gains

The call is for a total of 2,450 square meters covered by climatization systems. The management building accounts for 1,300 square meters, and the rest is in the hydroelectric plants: Uvac, Kokin Brod, Bistrica and Potpeć, a machinery workshop and storage room.

EPS said the study needs to include an analysis of the current heat consumption, with an overview of available solutions for the use of alternative or renewable sources of heat or the improvement of existing systems. The goal is to increase energy efficiency and promote the utilization of renewable energy sources, the call reads.

The contractor would suggest a solution and outline the drop in greenhouse gas emissions. The task involves calculating the investment return period and delivering the list of regulations.