Hydropower plants have long been a reliable backbone of energy systems, and their importance grows in the modern energy transition. As thermal power plants gradually phase out, intermittent sources like solar and wind occupy a larger share of the energy mix, creating a need for flexible, reliable balancing capacity.
Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PSH) stands out because it can both produce and store energy, responding quickly to fluctuations in demand and generation. Unlike conventional hydropower, which only generates electricity, PSH plants also operate in pumping mode, using surplus electricity to lift water to an upper reservoir for storage. When demand rises or renewable output drops, the stored water drives turbines to generate electricity.
The Bistrica PSH project in Serbia is planned to enter operation by 2032, complementing existing facilities like Bajina Bašta (614/620 MW) and Lisina (28.6 MW). PSH development relies on favorable topography and hydrology, such as areas along major rivers like Drina, Danube, Ibar, Nišava, and South Morava.
With Serbia’s energy strategy targeting 3.6 GW of wind and 7.36 GW of solar capacity by 2040, pumped-storage hydropower will be critical for ensuring energy independence, system stability, and efficient integration of renewables. Emerging closed-loop PSH designs, which do not require direct river reservoirs, offer additional site flexibility while maintaining the ability to store and dispatch energy effectively.
In essence, PSH plants are both generators and consumers of electricity, providing the fast-response reserves and energy storage necessary to balance an increasingly renewable-heavy grid.
