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Gacko Thermal Power Plant
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The Gacko power plant (RiTE Gacko), located deep in the barren landscapes of Eastern Herzegovina, is a gigantic mining and energy complex that is of paramount importance to the energy independence of the Republika Srpska. Built in the 1980s, the thermal power plant was specifically constructed there to exploit the massive, nearby lignite deposits of the Gacko basin in an integrated open-pit mining process. With its massive cooling tower, the power plant dominates the skyline of the small mining community and is practically the only industrial employer for thousands of families over a wide radius. The electricity produced not only covers a significant portion of the entity's internal demand but is also an important export commodity for sale to neighboring energy markets, such as Montenegro or Croatia, although the outdated technology increasingly requires modernization.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Gacko coal mine · Gračanica, Gacko · Gacko
- Nearby: Sutjeska National Park (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 134 | 131 | 121 | 93 | 89 | 83 | 52 | 49 | 104 | 124 | 162 | 152 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Gacko Thermal Power Plant in eastern Herzegovina uses local lignite deposits and is a vital energy supplier for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It contributes significantly to meeting national electricity demand and stabilizing the power grid.
Visiting
The power plant premises are usually not open to the public for safety reasons. However, the facility can be well seen from the surrounding hills, especially the distinctive cooling towers and chimney.
Where to view it
The road from Gacko to Nevesinje gives several viewpoints overlooking the plant and the adjacent open-pit mine. From the hill south of town, one gets a good overview of the entire industrial complex.
Local products
The region primarily produces lignite and electrical energy as industrial raw materials. Local markets rather offer agricultural products like potatoes and dairy from the surrounding area.
Active season
The plant typically operates at full capacity year-round to cover the grid's base load. The adjacent open-pit mine also runs continuously, with possible seasonal variations in extraction.
Nearby
Combine a visit with exploring the historic town of Gacko and the nearby monastery. The karst landscape of Herzegovina with its caves and river gorges also features great excursion opportunities.
Geography
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Gacko Thermal Power Plant (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Gacko power plant located?
It is located in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Gacko.
What energy source does the power plant use?
It is a lignite-fired power plant that uses coal from the adjacent open-pit mine.
Can you see the mining fields?
Yes, the huge open-pit mine is clearly visible from the surrounding roads.
What significance does Gacko have for the power grid?
It produces a significant portion of the electricity for Republika Srpska.
Are there nature reserves nearby?
The Sutjeska National Park with the Perućica primeval forest is about 40 km northwest.
Gacko Thermal Power Plant: where is it located?
Gacko Thermal Power Plant is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gacko Thermal Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gacko coal mine, Gračanica, Gacko, Gacko.
Gacko Thermal Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gacko Thermal Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Gacko power plant (RiTE Gacko), located deep in the barren landscapes of Eastern Herzegovina, is a gigantic mining and energy complex that is of paramount importance to the energy independence of the Republika Srpska.
Nearby cities
Lukavica
Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.
East Sarajevo
East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.
Briješće
Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
Ilidža
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Konjic
Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Foča
Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.
Bileća
Bileća is located in eastern Herzegovina on the artificial Lake Bileća.
Kravica Waterfall
A spectacular natural phenomenon on the Trebižat River, often referred to as the 'Little Niagara' of Bosnia.
Ljubuški
Ljubuški is located in the heart of Herzegovina and is famous for the Kravica waterfalls.
Široki Brijeg
Široki Brijeg is the administrative center of the West Herzegovina Canton.
Kiseljak
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Vogošća
Vogošća is a municipality north of Sarajevo and a key industrial suburb of the capital.
Tihovići
Tihovići is a small settlement near the capital Sarajevo.
Čapljina
Čapljina is located in southern Herzegovina at the confluence of four rivers.
Stolac
Stolac is located in southern Herzegovina on the Bregava River.
History & landmarks
Nature
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Hrastov Do Necropolis
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Gacko Polje
Gacko Polje is a karst field in eastern Herzegovina situated at an altitude of 940 meters.
Gacko Old Town
Gacko was an important regional center.
Volujak
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