HPP „Piva“ – 38th anniversary

Since the beginning of the year, HPP „Piva“ generated 130 GWh of electricity, which is 54.6% of the plan, while the reservoir has the potential for generation of additional 195 GWh which is significantly above the planned level for this part of the year. However, having in mind lack of snow in the previous winter, it might be expected for Piva reservoir to be more slowly charged during this year compared with the previous one.

Since January 1st, HPP „Piva“ has been operating within energy system of Montenegro because Agreement on long-term business technical cooperation with EPS ceased to be valid. There are no considerable changes in operation of the power plant compared with its operation in the previous years. The fact which should be emphasized regarding current operation of the plant refers to its participation in tertiary regulation which is reflected in optimization of power flows in the network, as well as optimization of generation in the system.

After record generation in 2013 when considerable funds were invested in modernization of switch yard, overhead line and bus bar protection, as well as in new control system within the project Lot 3, this year - 38th since the beginning of HPP Piva operation, will also be the investment one since works on intake structure are being continued within the project Lot 4 whose value amounts to 630 thousand euros. Since reconstruction of unit A1 is envisaged for the next year, modernization of bridge cranes in the power plant is also planned to be carried out until beginning of this year's overhaul.

Just as a reminder, HPP Mratinje, which was called HPP Piva after its commissioning, delivered the first kilowatt hours to the energy system on March 28, 1976. This date has been celebrated as the Day of HPP Piva, whose construction lasted for 10 years with engagement of almost all construction workers of the then Yugoslavia. Since the very beginning of its operation until this year, HPP „Piva“ operated within energy system of Serbia based on the Agreement on long-term business technical cooperation. Its core activity is electricity generation in peak mode because it has the possibility of quick start and synchronization to 220 kV network.

With one of the highest concrete arch dams in the world and whole plant constructed underground, HPP „Piva" represents also the world architectural curiosity. Designed height of the concrete dam is 220 m, while arch length amounts to 268,6 m at the crest and 40 m at the bottom. Dam thickness is 36 m in the foundation and about 4,5 m at the top.

HPP „Piva“, where the precious experience was gained by many Montenegrin engineers of all profiles, currently employs 104 employees who perform their work duties with maximum responsibility which results in absolute reliability of hydro energy facilities in Piva canyon.