Dabar hydropower plant – a hydropower milestone in BiH

Dabar Hydropower Plant is the largest hydropower project in the region and a key part of the broader “Gornji Horizonti” system. With an annual production of 251.8 GWh, it will significantly contribute to regional energy stability. The project is in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the borders with Croatia and Montenegro, and represents a cornerstone for future hydropower development in the area.

The project is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s long-term strategy to expand its renewable-energy production capacity. Through the construction of a modern hydropower facility, the region benefits from improved energy flows and reliable electricity supply for domestic and regional markets.

• Installed capacity: 159.15 MW
  
• Annual output: 251.8 GWh
  
• Diversion tunnel length: 12.14 km (one of the largest in Europe)
  
• Turbines: 3 Pelton turbines, nominal capacity 54.54 MW each
  
• Dam height: 41 m
  
• Total reservoir capacity: 61.8 million m³
  
• Tunnel diameter: 4.6 m
  
• Planned completion: 2027
  

Dabar features advanced hydropower technologies and automation systems, enabling efficient power generation and optimisation of operations according to grid demands.

The project includes extremely complex civil and electromechanical works. The headrace tunnel is among the largest in Europe, requiring specialised excavation and stabilisation methods. Since the reservoir is located several kilometres from the powerhouse, an advanced water-conveyance system—featuring a forebay tank and high-pressure penstock—was constructed.

Major challenges within the electromechanical scope include:

• Complex geodetic and geological investigations
• Hydropower analyses and calculations form the basis for all technical decisions
• Selection of optimal solutions for all infrastructure components
• Full focus on the electromechanical phase of the project
• Intensive engineering processes through technical meetings, workshops, discussions and coordination
• Use of 3D models and operational simulations
• Implementation of advanced software tools for design and hydraulic analysis
• Ensuring environmental standards and minimising ecological impact on the river ecosystem
• Synchronisation with national and regional transmission networks to ensure stable power evacuation

Elnos Group is a key partner in delivering this complex hydropower project, with responsibilities including:

Design

• Development of all conceptual solutions
  
• Complete design documentation for Dabar HPP, including key sections and facility layout
  
• Development of all main designs, construction designs and detailed execution designs
  

Supply, installation and commissioning of complete electromechanical equipment in the powerhouse:

• Turbines with auxiliary systems
  
• Generators with excitation and additional auxiliary systems
  
• Medium-voltage generator equipment
  
• Power block transformers
  
• Turbine testing in Voith Hydro laboratories in Germany
  

Design, supply, installation and commissioning of electrical systems across the entire plant:

• General electrical installations for all buildings
  
• Auxiliary power systems
  
• Low-current systems
  
• Telecommunication systems and computer networks
  
• Installation of a multi-level SCADA system for remote control and automation
  

Additionally:

• Construction of 2×220 kV transmission lines to connect the plant to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s grid
• Collaboration with China Gezhouba Group and Voith Hydro on solution implementation

• The first major greenfield energy investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past 30 years
  
• Enhanced energy independence through increased renewable-energy production
  
• Strengthening of the regional power grid and security of supply
  
• Long-term stable revenue through energy production and sales
  
• Reduction of CO₂ emissions and contribution to sustainability targets
  

The construction of Dabar HPP is one of the most important hydropower investments in the region, establishing the foundation for future development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hydropower sector. Its completion will improve the stability of the power system, increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, and enable more efficient energy distribution across the Western Balkans.