Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has temporarily disconnected the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP Pljevlja) from the national power grid due to issues with the slag disposal system, multiple sources in the energy sector confirmed to the portal Dan. According to the portal, TPP Pljevlja was taken offline just two days after being reconnected to the grid, as it is currently in a trial, or “test,” period during which all technical irregularities arising from the ecological reconstruction process are being addressed.
An EPCG source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the issue concerns a technical fault in the slag disposal system, which is entirely under the responsibility of the Chinese contractor handling the reconstruction. The source emphasized that the fault does not endanger the ecological reconstruction process or affect its overall quality and deadlines; it is considered a “routine intervention” during the testing phase following months of work. EPCG expects TPP Pljevlja to be reconnected to the grid shortly after the contractor resolves the identified issues.
The ecological reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja began in February 2022 as a project worth over €70 million, aiming to bring the plant into compliance with European emission standards and allow it to operate without excessive environmental impact. The reconstruction includes modernization of the desulfurization, denitrification, and particulate filtration systems, construction of a completely new system for slag and ash transport and disposal, and upgrades to existing ecological barriers. Upon completion, TPP Pljevlja is expected to become one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly thermal power plants in the region, with regular testing and trial operation phases, as currently underway.
EPCG confirmed that the temporary shutdown is due to “challenges in the operation of the slag transport system, part of the equipment installed as part of the ecological reconstruction and modernization of the plant.”
“This technological segment was implemented by the Chinese company DEC (consortium DEC/BEMAX/BBSOLAR), engaged as the project contractor,” EPCG stated.
Following the detection of operational deviations in the system, DEC has been requested to carry out an urgent and comprehensive inspection to accurately determine the cause of the problem and take all necessary corrective measures.
“We expect the contractor to ensure full functionality and equipment stability as soon as possible, in accordance with contractual obligations,” EPCG said.
Once the identified issues are resolved and the system’s proper functioning is confirmed, TPP Pljevlja will resume test operations.
