Opposed opinions about construction of three hydroelectric power plants on the Lim

Serbia's Spatial Plan anticipates construction of three hydroelectric power plants of about 100 MW on the Lim near Prijepolje, but that idea is faced with the opposed opinions of citizens and aldermen.

During the whole-day discussion in the Town Hall of Prijepolje, which ended in late evening on Tuesday (March 16, 2010), series of arguments for and against construction of hydroelectric power plants could have been heard, and the conclusion was that aldermen and the public should be kept up to date with all activities related to possible construction of dams.

Dušan Mrakić, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mining, invited aldermen to calm down because nobody knew, until the results of the economic justification study were seen, if the announced investments in hydroelectric power plants would be realized. He added that the Government and the Parliament of Serbia would regulate all the issues related to energy potentials.

- The study on the influence of hydroelectric power plants on the Lim on the environment is the crucial document for issuing building permits. Upon its completion, for which the legal deadline is one year, the Ministry of Energy and Mining will make the decision on the license - Mrakić said at the meeting in the Town Hall of Prijepolje.

Two companies interested

- So far, only Canadian company REV obtained the energy license from the Ministry, in January 2009, for research works and possible construction of hydroelectric power plants Brodarevo 1 and Brodarevo 2. Italian company Enervoda appeared at the end of the last year and expressed interest in the same locations, but in the form that was not in accordance with the Spatial Plan because they suggested construction of four hydroelectric power plants of smaller capacity - Mrakić added.