The Pljevlja thermal power plant is expected to go on a several-month pause due to ecological reconstruction. During this time, the coal mine will complete work on relocating the riverbed of the Ćehotina River, which will collectively enable more stable operations for both companies, ensure a steady supply of high-quality coal for the power plant, and contribute to a cleaner environment in the northernmost town of Montenegro.
The ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant is a project that will improve the environmental quality in the most polluted city in Montenegro while ensuring more stable operation of the plant’s units in the coming years. The entire project is highly demanding and covers most of the major facilities, meaning it will take almost eight months to complete, says Veselin Sekulić from Elektroprivreda Crne Gore.
“In addition to the two main parts of the ecological reconstruction, there are also district heating, heat exchanger stations, the auxiliary boiler, which is also the start-up boiler, all other electromechanical works, desulfurization, wastewater treatment, and the reduction of nitrogen oxides. Furthermore, Elektroprivreda is also carrying out a boiler adaptation project worth 12 million EUR excluding VAT, as well as adapting the 250-meter-high chimney, which is an additional 7 million EUR excluding VAT. We plan to finish these projects by November 15, and then the trial operation will begin,” he explains.
For the thermal power plant to operate even more efficiently and produce the planned amount of electricity after the ecological reconstruction, the work being done simultaneously at the coal mine—relocating the Ćehotina Riverbed—is crucial, Sekulić emphasizes.
“Coal quality is the number one factor for the success of the ecological reconstruction. In addition to the guaranteed conditions that the contractor must meet regarding the reduction of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and wastewater, the quality of coal is what will determine the success of the ecological reconstruction project. Therefore, the project of relocating the Ćehotina River is absolutely critical,” he highlights.
The timely completion of the ecological reconstruction of the thermal power plant and the relocation of the Ćehotina River will also speed up work on another project that Pljevlja residents have been eagerly waiting for decades: the district heating project for the town.
