Bosnia names Norway utility to build Vrbas River hydro projects

Europe

Bosnia names Norway utility to build Vrbas River hydro projects

Bosnia’s Serb Republic government has named Norwegian utility Statkraft its partner in the construction of hydropower plants on the Vrbas River that could cost up to 100 million euros (US$147.8 million).

Bosnia’s Serb Republic government has named Norwegian utility Statkraft its partner in the construction of hydropower plants on the Vrbas River that could cost up to 100 million euros (US$147.8 million).

Statkraft, which had already been cleared by the energy ministry and the concessions commission, wants to build several small hydro plants on the Vrbas in northwestern Bosnia, Prime Minister Milorad Dodik told a January 29 news conference.

Dodik said Statkraft would conduct analysis and a feasibility study to determine the number of plants, their capacity, and the total value of the project.

Bosnia’s Federal News Agency said the proposed project area, where the Vrbas joins the Sava River, is the site of four possible projects previously outlined by utility Elektroprivreda Republika Srpske, 24.01-MW Trn, 16.18-MW Laktasi, 13.3-MW Kosjerevo, and 16.87-MW Razboj.

“The government is determined not to privatize the energy sector but to make a partnership with potential investors,” Dodik said.