EPS in plans to start construction of TPP Kolubara B

Serbian state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) plans to commence construction of the 350 MW lignite based Kolubara B thermal power plant by 2021. The power plant project’s investment costs are estimated to amount to €385 million, while the construction period would last up to 4 years.

In this endeavour, EPS will be aided by the Power Construction Corporation of China with which it signed a MoU obligating the Chinese based firm to produce a detailed design of the proposed unit within the next three months. If the unit would be constructed, it would be the first coal power plant commissioned in Serbia in almost 40 years. Despite the fact EU turned its back to new coal projects, EPS insists the power plant is essential to the sustainable development of the Serbian power system.

Kolubara B is planned to replace Morava and Kolubara A units. The power plant will be supplied by a local lignite mine that is yet to be opened. EPS acknowledges the fact that renewable energy should be the focus of new generation portfolio additions, but also notes that the country has a long-standing tradition in operating coal power plants and that these units offer a much needed stability as they create jobs and provide a reliable source of energy.

Source: Balkan Green Energy News