The Piva Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP Piva) has produced 3.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in its 49 years of operation, accounting for about 27% of Montenegro’s total production, said Miro Vračar, Executive Director of FC Production.
“The contribution of HE Piva to the total electricity production in Montenegro is immeasurable. Since it was put into operation, it has produced around 3.7 billion kilowatt-hours, which is 27% of the country’s total production,” Vračar stated during the celebration of the anniversary.
He further emphasized that the construction of the plant involved ten years of hard work and noted that “28 lives were sacrificed for what we all have and use today.”
According to the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG), HPP Piva, one of the most important and complex energy facilities in the country, has contributed to the stability of Montenegro’s power grid for nearly half a century and remains a pillar of the country’s hydroelectric reliability.
Despite challenges posed by weaker hydrological conditions, HPP Piva has maintained excellent operational readiness this year. The current reservoir status is above the planned 64 gigawatt-hours (GWh), at around 176 GWh.
“Revitalization work on the infrastructure is proceeding as planned. The replacement of block transformers and associated high-voltage cables on unit A1 is ongoing, while the overhaul of unit A2 was successfully completed in 2023. Work on the transformer for unit A3 is expected to start soon,” EPCG announced.
EPCG’s Executive Director, Ivan Bulatović, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and the overall development of the facility:
“By investing in HPP Piva, we are investing in the right values—those owed to the generations who built this facility and those who will come after us. This plant is not only an energy resource but a symbol of collective effort, sacrifice, and vision. I am particularly pleased with the involvement of young professionals who are gaining opportunities to further their skills and grow professionally, as this is an investment in the future,” Bulatović remarked.
Nikola Daković, Head of the HPP Piva Branch, stated that the plan for last year is already being implemented.
“The investments planned for last year have been successfully completed, closing an important investment cycle of modernization. Today, HE Piva is capable of performing additional system functions within the transmission network, which confirms its strategic importance and the responsibility it holds,” Daković said.
He also mentioned upcoming projects such as the replacement of the fire extinguishing system on the generators, completion of the ventilation and fire protection systems, the construction of new warehouse space, and the creation of a study on the mudslide hazard, all aimed at further enhancing safety and operational stability.
Bulatović reminded that he recently signed four contracts worth €9.48 million to improve transportation infrastructure and modernize work processes in the municipality of Plužine, as well as fulfill all obligations the company undertook during the construction of HPP Piva.
These obligations involved the infrastructural equipping and upgrading of the area affected by the construction of this major energy facility.
On the occasion of HPP Piva’s Day, Bulatović laid a wreath at the memorial dedicated to the workers who lost their lives during the construction of the hydroelectric plant.
