Serbia’s planned Bistrica pumped-storage hydropower project has entered a new development phase after environmental authorities formally defined the scope of the upcoming Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study, a mandatory step before construction can begin.
The decision was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection at the request of state-owned utility EPS, and sets out the key areas that must be thoroughly analyzed to determine the project’s potential environmental effects. The assessment will serve as a basis for evaluating the project’s compliance with environmental standards and broader sustainability objectives.
The proposed development includes the construction of a new dam on the Uvac River, near the Klak location, approximately five kilometers downstream from the existing Radoinja dam. According to project documentation, the dam is expected to reach around 100 meters in height, with a crest width of 10 meters and a length of up to 400 meters. The resulting reservoir would flood part of the Uvac valley between Klak and Radoinja. The project is located within the municipalities of Nova Varoš and Priboj, and forms part of the wider hydropower system on the Uvac and Lim rivers.
Environmental authorities have instructed that the EIA study must examine a broad range of impacts, including effects on water resources, soil, air quality, biodiversity, protected areas, local communities, and climate factors. It must also assess cumulative impacts arising from interaction with other existing or planned infrastructure in the region.
Special attention will be given to potential effects on surface and groundwater systems, aquatic ecosystems, and surrounding habitats. The final report will also need to propose mitigation measures to reduce or prevent negative environmental consequences during both construction and operation phases.
Officials emphasized that the Bistrica project is strategically important for Serbia’s energy system, as it would provide large-scale energy storage capacity. This would support greater integration of renewable energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to long-term energy transition goals.
Under the Ministry’s decision, EPS is required to submit the completed EIA study for approval within one year after the ruling becomes legally effective.
