Imagine a piece of machinery that has been running smoothly since 1955. That is impressive. But even the hardiest equipment needs a major refresh eventually.
That is exactly what is happening with the Vlasinske hydropower plants in southern Serbia. And the company trusted with this important job is ANDRITZ.
Energotehnika Južna Bačka has selected ANDRITZ to supply ten new turbines for the Vlasinske cascade. This is not a small project. The order value is in the lower double-digit million-euro range, a clear sign of how significant this modernization is.
Why does this matter?
The Vlasinske plants are a long-standing pillar of Serbia’s electricity system. Today, they provide about 130 megawatts of power. But after seven decades of operation, they need an upgrade to stay reliable.
The modernization will do two big things:
- Ensure continued reliable operation for decades to come.
- Increase installed capacity by eight megawatts – extra clean energy without building a new plant.
Pelton and Francis turbines working together
ANDRITZ will design, manufacture, and help install four Pelton units and six Francis units, plus all the associated equipment. These are two different turbine types, each suited to specific water flow conditions. Using both shows the complexity of the Vlasinske cascade.
Power keeps flowing during construction
Here is a clever detail: The modernization will be organized so that electricity production can continue during the work. No long shutdowns. No blackouts. Just a smooth, phased upgrade that keeps the lights on in Serbia.
International support
This project is backed by serious funding, including a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and support from Serbia’s state-owned utility, Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS).
The bottom line
This is hydropower done right. Modernizing existing assets, boosting clean energy output, and keeping communities powered throughout. ANDRITZ is helping Serbia’s renewable energy ambitions become reality.
