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Piva Hydroelectric Plant
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The Piva Hydroelectric Plant (HE Piva), featuring the massive Mratinje Dam, is one of Montenegro's most significant engineering achievements. Constructed between 1971 and 1976, the arch dam stands 220 meters high, making it one of the tallest of its kind in Europe. The damming of the Piva River created the 12.5-square-kilometer Piva Lake, which serves as a vital reservoir for power generation. The plant has an installed capacity of 342 megawatts, providing a substantial portion of the country's domestic electricity supply. Managed by the state-owned utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), the facility is crucial for maintaining grid stability during peak demand periods. A remarkable historical preservation effort occurred during construction, as the ancient Piva Monastery was moved stone by stone to a higher elevation to avoid submergence. Today, while remaining a critical strategic energy asset, the plant and its surrounding reservoir also attract significant interest from eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts.
- Location: Montenegro
- Nearby: Perućica Agricultural Area (11 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 Piva Hydroelectric Plant uses the water of the Piva River to generate electricity and plays a key role in Montenegro's energy supply. It is one of the largest power plants in the country.
Visiting
The power plant and dam are not open to the public, but the reservoir (Piva Lake) is accessible to visitors. The water surface and the imposing dam can be viewed from the shore.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the observation platform near the dam, offering a view of the structure and the lake. The road along the lake provides many photo opportunities.
Local products
The region around Piva Monastery is known for dairy products, smoked meat, and trout. Local markets offer honey, cheese, and herbs from the nearby mountains.
Active season
The plant is most active during the spring months when snowmelt raises the lake's water level. After autumn rains, electricity generation also increases significantly.
Nearby
Combine a visit to the plant with the nearby Piva Monastery and Durmitor National Park. The Tara River Canyon and Black Lake are also worthwhile destinations.
Geography
Facts
- At 220 meters, the Mratinje Dam is among the highest arch dams in Europe.
- The power plant became fully operational in 1976 after five years of construction.
- The total installed capacity of the facility's three turbines is 342 megawatts.
- Piva Lake has a maximum water storage capacity of about 800 million cubic meters.
- The thickness of the dam wall is 30 meters at the base and 4.5 meters at the crest.
- The historic Piva Monastery was relocated 2 km away to prevent its submersion.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Piva Hydroelectric Plant (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Piva dam?
The Mratinje Dam is 220 meters high, making it one of the highest in Europe.
Can you drive across the dam?
Yes, the main road passes directly over the crest of the dam, offering dizzying views.
Is Piva Lake artificial?
Yes, it is a reservoir created by the construction of the Mratinje Dam.
Can you swim in Piva Lake?
Yes, the water is very clean but quite cool even in summer. There are small swimming spots.
Is photography allowed at the dam?
Generally allowed as long as you don't obstruct traffic or enter restricted zones.
Piva Hydroelectric Plant: where is it located?
Piva Hydroelectric Plant is located in Montenegro.
Piva Hydroelectric Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Piva Hydroelectric Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Piva Hydroelectric Plant (HE Piva), featuring the massive Mratinje Dam, is one of Montenegro's most significant engineering achievements.
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History & landmarks
Nature
Piva River
The Piva River is known for its emerald-green water.
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A prominent peak in the northwestern region.
Trnovačko Lake
The Trnovačko Lake is a heart-shaped glacial lake near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bobotov Kuk
The Bobotov Kuk is the highest peak of the Durmitor mountain range.
Valovito Lake
The Valovito Lake is a small mountain lake in the Durmitor mountain range.
Durmitor Wildlife Habitat
The inaccessible terrain of Durmitor is the core area for large mammals.
Vlaska Peak
A peak in the Durmitor massif.
Black Lake Ecosystem
The ecosystem around Crno jezero is characterized by coniferous forests and rare flora.
More places
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The Piva Canyon is one of the deepest gorges in the region.
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The alpine flora of Durmitor National Park is unique in Southeast Europe.
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The Sušica Canyon is located within the Durmitor National Park.
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A high mountain pass in the center of the Durmitor National Park.
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Pusto Polje Plateau
An expansive karst plateau in northern Montenegro.
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The Komarnica Canyon cuts through the mountains between the Durmitor and Vojnik massifs.
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