China begins largest-ever hydropower project in CEE

The ceremonial groundbreaking event took place on Friday in the Republika Srpska (RS) entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for the Dabar Hydropower Plant, which will be constructed by China Gezhouba Group.

This project is a significant milestone as it marks the largest hydropower undertaking by Chinese companies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with a capacity of 159.15 MW and a total investment of EUR 244mn (USD 266.8mn).

Among the attendees were RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic and Chinese Ambassador to BiH Ji Ping. Viskovic emphasized the importance of the Dabar Hydropower Plant, situated in the mountainous city of Trebinje, as a crucial development project that will greatly benefit BiH, particularly RS. He added that the project showcases China as a cooperative partner that keeps its commitments and demonstrates the value and vitality of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ambassador Ji highlighted the significance of the project in enhancing the economic and green partnership between China and BiH, emphasizing the vast potential for green cooperation between the two countries.

Mirko Curic, the mayor of Trebinje said the project will not only generate clean energy for BiH but also enable the export of electricity to neighbouring nations. Additionally, the hydropower plant will contribute to improving local water supply, flood control, and job creation.