Harnessing new strength from old waters at Vlasina
This case study examines the comprehensive revitalization project of the Vlasina hydropower system in Serbia, constructed in two stages, 1946-58 and 1972-77, which seeks to address the significant reduction in power output and operational challenges due to aging infrastructure. The project is a crucial step in modernizing one of the country’s oldest hydropower plants, ensuring its continued role in Serbia’s energy landscape.
About
The project includes a complete overhaul of generation units, electromechanical systems, and control equipment to increase the plant’s capacity and operational lifespan. By boosting the installed capacity to 136 MW and improving energy production, the project aims to meet the energy needs of thousands of households while enhancing grid reliability and reducing the environmental footprint.
Challenges:
Here are the key problems the Vlasina hydropower project aims to address:
- The system’s output has decreased from 128 MW to between 60 and 80 MW due to aging infrastructure.
- The generation units, electromechanical, and hydromechanical systems are outdated and worn out, affecting overall efficiency.
- The old equipment and control systems no longer provide the necessary reliability, risking potential power supply disruptions and mechanical failures.
- The current outdated technology is less efficient and may have a larger environmental footprint, which is a concern for sustainable energy development in Serbia.
Solutions
The Vlasina hydropower project includes several technical solutions aimed at addressing the identified problems:
The project will involve the installation of new electromechanical and hydromechanical systems, which will enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of the plants.
Updated control systems will be implemented to improve the safety and stability of the hydropower cascade, ensuring more reliable operation and better integration with the overall power grid.
The comprehensive upgrades are designed to extend the operational life of the hydropower plants by an additional 30 to 40 years, ensuring long-term energy supply stability.
Impacts
- The project is expected to increase the plant’s installed capacity from its current level of 60-80 MW to 136 MW. This will result in a significant boost in energy production, with an estimated annual generation of 309 GWh, enough to meet the energy needs of approximately 93,000 households.
- By modernizing the generation units, electromechanical, hydromechanical, and control systems, the project will ensure more reliable and safer operations. This will reduce the risk of power outages and mechanical failures, contributing to the stability of Serbia’s electricity grid.
- The upgrades will extend the operational life of the Vlasina hydropower system by an additional 30 to 40 years, securing its role in Serbia’s energy mix for the foreseeable future.