Croatia’s HEP preparing to build pumped storage hydropower plant Blaca

Article source: Balkan Green Energy News 

The Blaca pumped storage hydropower plant (PSHPP) in Croatia will have a turbine capacity of 498 MW and pump capacity of 489 MW. Located in Sinjsko polje near Split, the project aims to enhance flood protection, irrigation, and the operation of the Orlovac hydropower plant. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development is evaluating its environmental impact. The facility will use excess wind and solar power to pump water from the lower Gala reservoir to the upper Blaca reservoir, generating electricity when demand is high. The plant is expected to produce 986 GWh annually, with pumps consuming 1.29 TWh. It will feature three generators, a 58.1-hectare upper reservoir, and a 74-hectare lower reservoir. The estimated investment is up to EUR 790 million. This project is part of a regional trend in the Balkans towards increased use of pumped storage hydropower.