Less than a year after the start of construction, and following the winter break, the first wind turbines have already peaked on Ivovik hill. Half of the 20 planned wind turbines of the project have been fully hoisted. They are scheduled to start spinning their blades at the end of the year, when the wind farm will be put into trial operation.

 

Installation of wind turbines is one of the most demanding segments of construction, especially in the case of Ivovik project, which is located in a mountainous area, which makes it difficult to handle the machinery and store the equipment. At the same time, the safety of all participants in the process and the relevant regulations and requirements must be taken into account without compromise.

 

Wind turbines installation depends on several factors, including weather conditions and safety when operating the machinery, which includes an excavator, a roller, a loader, a crane - in total 18 machines. Each of them has a use permit, is equipped with sound and light warning signals and every construction machine worker is trained to work on them. From the start of construction in July last year until today, there has not been a single case of injury or incident on the construction site.

 

Turbine installation also requires certain predispositions, such as a wind speed of less than 10 m/s for the turbine tower, and less than 8 m/s for blades. The wind, which in the exploitation phase is a driver for wind turbines and converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy, can represent a challenge and an obstacle in the construction phase itself.

 

The shortest period for mounting one wind turbine is 5.5 days. The tower itself consists of 4 components, including a nacelle, a generator, a hub and 3 blades, each 68 meters long. Tips of the blades are painted red to make them more visible to birds. Relevant studies, stipulated by law and carried out before the construction, showed that Ivovik project will not negatively affect the usual activities of birds and bats in the area. In addition, wind energy does not deplete natural sources, which makes it sustainable for future generations.

 

Until now, access roads, platforms, foundations of most turbines, 10 wind turbines in Ivovik project have been completed, while the substation and control building are under construction.

 

With compliance with high occupational safety standards, and favorable winds, it is expected to be put into permanent operation in the spring of 2024. It is projected that in the next 25 years of its operation, Ivovik will produce 259 GWh annually, enough to supply 100 thousand households with clean energy.  

 

According to the Global Wind Energy Council, wind energy reduces global carbon emissions by over 1 billion tons each year. Ivovik wind farm will reduce carbon emissions by 240,000 tons annually. This is especially important for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which follows EU policies in the field of energy and climate, and has undertaken the obligations of decarbonization and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Once completed, Ivovik wind farm will contribute 84 MW of green energy capacity to the BiH grid. Electricity produced in this power plant is supposed to be sold to domestic power utilities.

 

Realization of Ivovik wind plant project means utilization of huge potential for production of electricity from renewable sources, reduction of negative impact on the environment, and a significant contribution to development of domestic economy, not only through employment, procurement of materials, but also through fees the company pays to the budgets on various grounds.

 

Over 10 km of access and auxiliary roads were built for the needs of the project, in four sections. The process used 1,250 tons of steel bars, 8,650 m³ of concrete, 460,000 liters of diesel fuel, all procured locally.

 

Several domestic companies and agencies are directly or indirectly involved in the project through various services, such as supervision or legal counsel, and its contractors have dozens of subcontractors. After completion of construction, it is planned to hire local companies for maintenance and operation, forecasting, balancing and the like. This highlights the project’s commitment to supporting and promoting economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

As a reminder, Ivovik is the first Chinese investment in BiH. Majority owners are two respectable state companies: PowerChina Resources and Genertec, which rank highly on global lists of best construction, design and investment firms. Until now, Chinese companies were engaged in construction of roads, bridges, and energy projects, but not as investors. Furthermore, Ivovik project showcases China’s growing  interest in the renewable energy industry beyond its borders. The project also demonstrates the potential for international cooperation to achieve mutually beneficial goals, such as advancing clean energy goals and contributing to a more sustainable future. With the successful completion of this project, we can look forward to more innovative and impactful renewable energy initiatives in BiH and beyond.

Parallel to building its wind farm, Ivovik is also building ties with people living in the project area. Activities of all kinds were planned and realized, including donations to a local school and an association for welfare of wild horses in Livno. For this 133 million euros worth investment, Ivovik has already been recognized by the Foreign Investments Promotion Agency in BiH (FIPA) as one of the most significant investors in December last year. The biggest recognition, however, would be if this renewable energy project sets an example for others to follow and make their contribution for a greener future and a more beautiful Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Federal News Agency - FENA
https://www.fena.ba/article/1532487/izgradnja-vjetroelektrane-ivovik-na-pola-puta