The Perućica hydroelectric power plant (HPP), the oldest large-scale hydroelectric facility in Montenegro, is celebrating its 65th anniversary of successful operation. To date, it has delivered an impressive 56.21 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, accounting for 41% of the country’s total domestic production.
According to EPCG, HE Perućica marks a significant milestone with 65 years of successful operation, contributing to the stability of the national power grid. The plant produced its first kilowatt-hours of electricity in 1960.
“Despite its long history, the plant continues to achieve exceptional results. In the current year, 394,450 MWh have already been produced, representing 42% of the planned 950,000 MWh for the entire year,” the statement says.
Radovan Đukanović, head of the Perućica branch, emphasized that the anniversary is being marked modestly and traditionally, as intensive preparations are underway for the regular maintenance and implementation of investment projects.
“Our team demonstrates a high level of responsibility and dedication every day. This has been the key strength of our collective for decades,” Đukanović stated.
Miro Vračar, Executive Director of FC Production, mentioned that employees will face serious tasks alongside their daily activities. Among the key priorities are the modernization of units A7, A3, and A4, as well as the continued construction of unit A8. Additionally, significant efforts will be focused this year on an infrastructure project to channel surplus waters from the Zeta River into the Krupac reservoir and connect the Krupac and Slano lakes.
“When these works are completed, which is expected within the next two to three years, Perućica will be fully modernized, with significantly improved efficiency and the ability to maximize the use of available water resources,” Vračar explained.
At the end of last year, the reconstructed small hydroelectric plants in Podgor and Rijeka Crnojevića were put into operation, and working conditions for employees were significantly improved.
HPP Perućica utilizes the waters from the upper course of the Zeta River, which, due to the favorable drop from the Nikšić field area, power the plant’s turbines. With an installed capacity of 307 megawatts, the system encompasses the Krupac, Slano, and Vrtac reservoirs, and includes five small hydroelectric plants located in the areas of Podgorica, Kolašin, Cetinje and Šavnik.
