ANDRITZ Secures Turbine Supply Contract to Modernize Serbia’s Vlasinske Hydropower Cascade and Boost Renewable Capacity

Outside view of Vrla 1 power plant of the Vlasinske cascade
© Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS)

(IN BRIEF) ANDRITZ has been selected by Energotehnika Južna Bačka to supply ten turbines for the modernization of Serbia’s Vlasinske hydropower cascade, a project aimed at enhancing the performance and longevity of facilities that have been in operation since 1955. The upgrade will increase installed capacity by eight megawatts while ensuring continuous electricity production during the works to maintain grid stability. The project includes the delivery and commissioning of Pelton and Francis turbines and is supported by financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as well as a national modernization program led by Elektroprivreda Srbije. Overall, the initiative will strengthen renewable energy generation, improve efficiency and reliability, and support Serbia’s long-term energy transition goals

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 26-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ANDRITZ has secured a contract from Energotehnika Južna Bačka to deliver ten turbines for the modernization of the Vlasinske hydropower cascade, a key component of Serbia’s electricity infrastructure. The agreement, valued in the lower double-digit million-euro range, has been recorded in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026.

Located along the Vrla River, the Vlasinske cascade consists of four hydropower plants that have been operating since 1955. Together, these facilities currently provide an installed capacity of approximately 130 megawatts. The planned upgrade is designed to extend the operational lifespan of the plants while increasing total capacity by an additional eight megawatts, further reinforcing renewable energy generation in southern Serbia.

Unit hall of the Vrla 1 power plant
© Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS)

As part of the project, ANDRITZ will be responsible for the full scope of turbine delivery, including design, manufacturing, installation supervision, and commissioning. The package includes four Pelton turbines and six Francis turbines, along with the associated systems required for efficient operation. The modernization will be carefully phased to ensure that electricity production continues throughout the upgrade process, thereby maintaining stability in the national power supply.

Through this initiative, the project aims to improve efficiency, enhance reliability, and strengthen safety standards across the Vlasinske facilities. The upgrade aligns with Serbia’s broader efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure and expand its renewable energy capacity.

Financial backing for the project includes support from European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, alongside a national program led by Elektroprivreda Srbije, the country’s largest energy provider, which is overseeing the rehabilitation of the hydropower cascade.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 492 gigawatts, we offer innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small hydropower to large-scale plants. 

State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, synchronous condenser systems for grid stability and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.

Media Contact:

Susan Trast
Head of Group Communications & Marketing
susan.trast@andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ