The Pljevlja Coal Mine has already secured sufficient coal supplies for the uninterrupted restart of the Pljevlja thermal power plant (TPP) after its planned shutdown for ecological reconstruction, expected to end by November 15, 2025. The coal mine assures readiness to supply coal even if the reconstruction project finishes ahead of schedule.
The Pljevlja thermal power plant, Montenegro’s only coal-fired plant, stopped production on March 31 and is expected to remain offline until mid-November. The coal mine supplies about 90% of the plant’s coal needs.
The stability of Montenegro’s power system depends on the parallel progress of two key projects: the ecological reconstruction of the power plant and the relocation of the Ćehotina riverbed, necessary for continued coal excavation.
Works on relocating the Ćehotina riverbed began officially on April 25, 2025, and are progressing according to plan, with 17% of the project completed so far. The project is divided into three phases involving concrete works, installation of geomembranes and geofolies, and construction of retaining walls.
Before the tender process, the coal mine completed preparatory excavation work for the new riverbed, saving nearly €4 million for the company.
The deadline for the riverbed relocation was shortened from 18 to 7 months, creating some technical documentation challenges that are being resolved through ongoing coordination with supervisory authorities.
The coal mine emphasizes that efforts continue to accelerate the project timeline without compromising quality or standards, ensuring alignment with the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja thermal power plant.
