Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has moved a step closer to realizing its hydroelectric project at KruĊĦevo by issuing a tender for geological research. This new phase involves the execution of geological surveys, drilling investigations, and the preparation of a report on the results of these surveys, which are essential for developing the preliminary design of the hydroelectric power plant.
The project has allocated âĴ1.37 million for these activities. The scope includes conducting detailed investigative work and preparing geological technical documentation to support the implementation of the KruĊĦevo hydropower plant project. The investigation area covers approximately 2.5 km².
According to previous announcements, the KruĊĦevo hydropower plant is planned to have a capacity of 82 MW and an expected annual output of 170 GWh, with an estimated total cost of âĴ160 million.
The project’s objectives include:
- Utilizing existing research results to their fullest extent.
- Determining the geological composition of the broader reservoir area, with a focus on regional tectonics.
- Assessing engineering-geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the future reservoir area, particularly slope stability, and water retention.
- Evaluating engineering-geological characteristics of the dam site, including rock types, their physical-mechanical properties, and hydrogeological characteristics.
- Assessing modern exogeodynamic processes in the reservoir area and at the dam site, including their potential development during construction, filling, and post-formation of the reservoir.
- Determining seismic characteristics of the broader reservoir area and the potential for induced seismicity.
- Conducting seismic microzonation of the dam site.
- Defining geotechnical conditions for dam construction and reservoir formation.
- Identifying potential borrow sites for construction materials.
The tender specifies that field and laboratory investigations should employ modern research and testing technologies.
The KruĊĦevo hydropower plant is highlighted in Montenegro’s Energy Development Strategy until 2030 and the National Climate and Energy Plan as a highly promising and priority project in hydroenergy. It is crucial to intensify analysis, research, and feasibility studies to provide quality data for investment decisions.
To support this, EPCG commissioned a study on the utilization of the hydroenergy potential of the Piva River downstream from the Piva Hydropower Plant, with the development of a decision-support software platform managed by the Institute for Water Management Jaroslav Äerni. This study included detailed geodetic surveys of the future reservoir area and preliminary engineering-geological reconnaissance, which will form the basis for the detailed geological investigations in subsequent project phases.
