HPP „Perućica“ celebrates sixty two years of existence and operation

The commencement of the seventh decade of existence and successful operation in HPP "Perućica" is marked by the process of reconstruction, modernization and revitalization that significantly increase operational readiness, safety and reliability of the oldest large power plant and extend the life of the plant.

During 2022 within the capital investments, this power plant is expected to replace the fifth transformer Unit, according to the Agreement with the Consortium „Končar, Zagreb -Elektro tim, Budva“, realization of the second phase of the cooling system reconstruction, reconstruction of the access road in the area of the plant, replacement of electrical protections at the one of Niksic transmission lines (TL NK III 110kV), replacement of the first system of rechargeable batteries 220 VDC and some investments of lesser value.

EPCG CEO, Nikola Rovčanin, congratulated the HPP “Perućica” Day to colleagues from this plant, thanking them for their dedicated work in the previous period, with a reminder that the second phase of the reconstruction and modernization of U5, U6 and U7 is being implemented together in corporation with foreign partners, and that we also expect the project of U8 generator installation with a capacity of 58.5 MW, whose total value would be approximately Euro 23 million, that would increase the installed capacity and total power plant generation without any negative impact to environment.

“During the previous four years, in cooperation with the employees of “Sever” Subotica, and “Končar” from Zagreb, we have managed to renovate all seven generators that will, I believe, relax them from failures and delays of work in that part of the system for the next twenty years”, emphasized Radovan Đukanović, HE “Perućica” director.

According to the generation plan for 2022, HPP “Perućica” should generate about 920 GWh of electricity.

During 2021, the power plant generated 989 GWh that is 107,5 % of the plan.

Documentation is being prepared for announcing a Public Tender for reconstruction/rehabilitation of two of the existing five small power plants operating within HPP “Perućica”, with a total installed capacity of 2,465 megawatts (MW), and their projected annual production is approximately 5.5 million kilowatt hours (kWh). Small power plants will be upgraded to a higher technical-technological level of automation and controling, their service life will be extended, efficiency will be increased and generation costs will be reduced, while the water potential will be used significantly.

HPP “Perućica” is the oldest large hydropower plant in Montenegro, put into operation in 1960. It is named after the Perućica well-spring, which comes up near a hydropower plant.

It is located at the territory of the municipality of Nikšić, in the northern part of the Bjelopavlići plain, while small hydroelectric power plants are located on the territories of the municipalities of Kolašin, Podgorica, Cetinje and Šavnik. Its installed capacity amounts up to 307 MW, and possible annual generation is around 1.300 GWh. The useful accumulation is up to 225 million cubic meters of water. For the electricity generation HPP “Perućica” uses water catchment of river Gornja Zeta i.e. waters that flow into the Nikšić field with favorable decline at the short distance between the Nikšić field and Bjelopavlići plain.

Drainage basin of HPP „Perućica“ amounts to 850 km².

In the record year of 2010, HPP „Perućica“ generated 1434,9 GWh. HPP “Perućica“ in 2021 realized the production in the amount of 989 GWh, and in 2022, so far, 361 GWh.