Slovakia‘s largest hydropower plant to be modernized

As reported by Slovakian broadcaster STVR, Slovakia‘s largest hydropower plant, Čierny Váh in the Low Tatras, is to undergo extensive modernization. The 40-year-old turbines of the pumped storage power plant are to be replaced in stages. The first of the seven turbines has already been modernized in 2024, with the others to follow. A key problem is the fluctuations in electricity generation from solar power plants, which are dependent on the weather. „On sunny days, when electricity prices fall and it is necessary to ensure grid stability by drawing power, pumped storage power plants start pumping,“ explains Milan Ilčík, Director of Hydropower Plants at Slovenské elektrárne. According to the company, the modernization and construction of the battery storage facility will cost several hundred million euros.