Final phase of environmental reconstruction at Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant to begin in April 2025

The final phase of the environmental reconstruction project at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TEP) is set to begin on April 1, 2025, and will last until November 15, 2025, announced the Minister of Energy, Saša Mujović, in an interview with CdM. The estimated cost of the reconstruction is around 80 million euros.

The entire project consists of three contracts:

Supported by

1. Contract for environmental reconstruction works at Block I of TEP: This contract covers the development of technical documentation for the main project and the construction of ecological reconstruction facilities at the power plant. The value of the works is 44.98 million euros without VAT and 54.43 million euros with VAT.
   “Work on the execution of the tasks defined in this contract is ongoing,” said the Minister.
2. Contract for boiler adaptation and replacement of air preheaters, economizers and SGH: This contract involves the adaptation of the boiler system, including the replacement of air preheaters, economizers and steam generators (SGH). The value of the works is 18.15 million euros with VAT. Work is planned to begin in early April 2025.
3. Contract for adaptation of the Chimney’s internal lining: This contract includes the adaptation of the internal lining of the power plant’s chimney. The value of the works is 8.45 million euros with VAT. Work is scheduled to begin in April 2025.

The total value of the contracted works, excluding VAT, is 66.96 million euros, Mujović noted.

Impact on electricity production and import plans
Mujović explained that the Pljevlja power plant contributes between 40% and 45% of the annual electricity production of EPCG (Electric Power Company of Montenegro). Therefore, during the planned shutdown from April to mid-November 2025, a deficit of around 700 GWh of electricity will occur due to the power plant’s downtime.

Supported by

To compensate for this, EPCG plans to purchase and import the missing electricity. However, the deficit’s impact could be mitigated if the hydrological conditions in 2025 are favorable, with electricity production from hydroelectric plants exceeding expectations.

Despite the planned downtime, the stability of Montenegro’s electricity system will not be jeopardized, Mujović emphasized.

“All customers of EPCG will be ensured a continuous supply of electricity, as we will purchase the necessary amounts in advance to cover the period of downtime,” the Minister concluded.