Chinese contractors halt reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant
The Chinese state-owned company DEC, which was awarded the contract for the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, has suspended work because the Electric Power Company has failed to settle its debts.
- They have owed them money since last summer and had threatened at the beginning of March to withdraw their teams, but after negotiations they agreed to wait until March 14. However, since only one installment was paid in the meantime, they suspended work today - our sources from the power plant say.
The ETV portal sent questions to the Electric Power Company and is awaiting a response. Earlier in March, when we reported concerns that the Chinese might halt the works, the company stated that, as the investor, it responsibly meets all obligations in accordance with contracts with the contractor.
- We always strive to take a constructive approach when it comes to the contractor’s requests, while respecting all contractual clauses related to the ecological reconstruction project of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant - they said at the time.
When asked about the announcement of a work stoppage, they stated that „Electric Power Company will make a full contribution to ensure that the project is successfully completed by the end of the second quarter of this year“.
The ecological reconstruction of the thermal power plant began in April last year, and the facility was put into trial operation for eight months - on November 30.
It later emerged that the power plant had been put into operation without desulfurization and denitrification units, which caused alarming air pollution in Pljevlja.
It was also revealed that they did not have approval from the thermal energy inspector, who conducted inspections on two occasions, identified serious shortcomings, and clearly stated that a decision would be issued rejecting the request for trial operation.