Low Danube water levels threaten Serbia's power production; EPS assures stability

Serbia faces a critical situation as the Danube River's water levels plummet to historic lows, threatening electricity production and riverine transport. Prolonged drought and high temperatures have left parts of the riverbed exposed, with water levels near Novi Sad dropping to minus 120 cm, a level not seen since 1909.

“

If there is any consolation, this is not just our problem. The whole of Europe is in the grip of heatwaves, prolonged droughts, fires, and other climate disasters this year.

This drastic reduction in water levels significantly hampers navigation. Barges are forced to carry substantially less cargo, leading to increased reliance on more expensive road and rail transport for fuel and raw materials. Experts like Aleksandar Kovačević note that while the situation is dire in some areas, downstream levels are comparatively better, though still low.

“

Unfortunately, the forecasts for the next period are no better. Some say that by the beginning of August, we will have inflows of around 1500 cubic meters per second, which represents the biological minimum. I emphasize that citizens have no reason to worry because EPS ensures stable electricity supply and I must emphasize once again that we have prepared for such situations.

Despite the severe impact on the Đerdap 1 hydroelectric plant, which is now operating at only one-third capacity, the state power company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) insists that electricity supply will remain stable. General Director Dušan Živković stated that citizens have no reason to worry and that EPS is prepared for such scenarios, even anticipating potential inflows as low as the biological minimum in early August.

“

It gives the impression that EPS is not acting from the position of an economic entity, but also from political interests and responds to the wishes of the authorities to show that we can do everything. It is true that we can, but it is also true that restrictions can occur, because restrictions of both water and electricity are not unknown things.

However, some analysts and professors express skepticism. Professor Petar Đukić suggests EPS might be prioritizing political interests over economic realities, aiming to project an image of resilience. Analyst Aleksandar Kovačević points out that EPS has strategically utilized negative electricity prices on the European market to import power, leveraging its unique position. While EPS assures stability, the potential for electricity and water restrictions remains a concern for some.

“

We had negative prices for electricity on the European market, and EPS used that properly and imported. In a word, the strategic position that Elektroprivreda Srbije finds itself in, which is in a way unique in Europe, yields results even in these circumstances.