The Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) has received approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the construction of the "Krupac" solar power plant in three locations along the shores of the lake of the same name in Nikšić, which is planned for a total area of approximately 1,18 million square meters (118 hectares).
This is stated in the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency, which was published a few days ago. The study states that this is a hilly terrain consisting mainly of low vegetation, the removal of which is planned in the places where solar panels will be installed. This EPCG project is worth around 28,2 million euros and is part of the valorization of waters in Nikšić Field, which includes several solar and reversible power plants.
The total power of the power plant is 46,96 megawatts (MWp), 192.000 photovoltaic modules will be installed, and annual electricity production of 61,68 gigawatt-hours (GWh) is expected.
The study for this project in the town of Stuba had to be done because the Poklonci water source is located nearby, and has recently become part of the Nikšić public water supply system.
"All existing and potential sources of high-quality groundwater and surface water and areas with potential for water supply must be protected and improved with adequate measures, and then the prescribed regime must be maintained in them (establishment of protection zones, afforestation of watersheds). The positive side of the construction of the "Krupac" solar power plant is reflected in the fact that the installation of the modules occupies a large area of land that will not be exposed to direct solar radiation. Therefore, surface watercourses will be protected to a certain extent from water evaporation due to direct solar radiation, especially during the summer months. The investor will consider the impact of the solar power plant on the Poklonci water source through protection and improvement measures," the Study states.
As part of the project, along the shores of Krupačko Lake, the construction of four roads with a total length of 1,88 kilometers is planned, in order to enable the functioning of the complex. It is emphasized that there are no registered immovable cultural assets at this location, nor visible remains of material and cultural assets that would indicate possible archaeological sites, while annual bird monitoring will be conducted.
The investor will consider the impact of the solar power plant on the Poklonci water source through protection and improvement measures. The positive side of the construction is reflected in the fact that the installation of the modules takes up a large area, therefore, surface watercourses will be protected to a certain extent from water evaporation.
According to the document, standard pollution from machinery is expected during the works, but there will be no emissions of harmful substances that would affect the surrounding population. It is also stated that there will be no waste materials in quantities that would negatively affect the quality of soil, water, air, flora and fauna, and that the greatest negative impact will be on the landscape of the location itself.
The government issued urban planning and technical conditions for the Krupac power plant in September 2023.
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