Montenegro will be an energy-independent country, a net exporter of electricity, with a higher share of energy from renewable sources, with the connection of wind and solar power plants with the operation of hydroelectric power plants to preserve the stability of the energy system, as stated in the energy goals of the new Spatial Plan of Montenegro, which the Government adopted last week.
The Plan states that in 2026, additional levies (CO2 emissions fee) will come into effect for the production of electricity from coal at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, which is why "a certain reduction in annual operating hours is to be expected, and the cessation of operation of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant between 2035 and 2040 is being considered as part of measures to meet the goals of decarbonization of the energy sector."
How to replace the Pljevlja TPP
So far, the Ministry of Energy has announced that it is expected that the European Energy Community, after ecological reconstruction, will allow the operation of the Pljevlja TPP until 2041. The EU wants to prevent the operation of coal-fired thermal power plants by imposing high fees for polluters, which also applies to candidate countries, because this cost will make electricity from coal significantly more expensive and unprofitable.
Pljevlja TPP produces up to half of Montenegro's electricity needs (around 1.500 GWh), and it is also the most stable producer that keeps the entire electricity system stable because production is maintained non-stop and continuously, without dependence on weather conditions, compared to other sources of electricity that depend on rain, wind or sun.
To replace its production, the Plan includes two new large hydroelectric power plants, “Komarnica” and “Gornje Kruševo”, five wind farms, “Brajići”, “Gvozd”, “Korita”, “Bijela” and “Golija-Smriječno-Goransko Rudnice”, as well as 24 solar power plants. It is stated that other smaller potential power plants are also possible in accordance with the general guidelines of the spatial plan.
It is stated that energy is the basis for the development of the country and that without it, the development of other areas such as tourism, industry and the economy in general is impossible.
"By developing energy and energy infrastructure, Montenegro will ensure a higher share of energy from renewable sources and thus enable energy efficiency, which will have a positive impact on the economy and improve the quality of life in urban and rural areas, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions," the Plan states.
It was also stated that energy development cannot be based solely on the construction of solar and wind power plants (uncontrollable sources because they depend on natural conditions), but that they must be linked to the operation of reversible hydroelectric power plants that would be turned on when there is not enough sun and wind, thus preserving the stability of the system.
TPP remains key at least until 2035.
The plan states that the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, which should be completed by mid-November this year, is of public interest in order to enable its operation for as long as possible, as well as to implement the district heating of Pljevlja. The first phase of district heating for the six largest boiler houses in Pljevlja would be implemented immediately after the reconstruction is completed.
"The purpose of the construction of the primary heat pipeline from the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant to the city is to improve the environmental situation in Pljevlja, and to improve the level of efficiency of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant. After the implementation of the Ecological Reconstruction Project of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, as a result of the technological process, an additional by-product is obtained - gypsum, which can be used to produce several types of products. The Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant will continue to represent the basis for a secure electricity supply in Montenegro in the future, as it has for the past 40 years, and it will remain so until the strategic goals of energy development are met in terms of greater integration of renewable energy sources. Due to the expected additional levies on production from the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant starting in 2026, a certain reduction in annual operating hours is expected, and the cessation of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant operation between 2035 and 2040 is also being considered as part of measures to meet the goals of decarbonization of the energy sector," the Plan states.
In addition to the existing hydroelectric power plants "Piva" and "Perućica", the construction of new hydroelectric power plants has been proposed, in order to enable a much greater inclusion of new renewable sources of electricity, namely the "Komarnica" hydroelectric power plant on the river of the same name and the "Gornje Kruševo" hydroelectric power plant on the Piva.
"Komarnica" acceptable for the EU
The construction of this hydroelectric power plant has been under consideration since 1988. Environmental organizations and activists have been protesting for years against the intention to build this hydroelectric power plant due to the threat it poses to the Komarnica Canyon.
The Spatial Plan states that the study “Regional Strategy for Sustainable Hydropower in the Western Balkans”, WBIF, which was prepared for the needs of the Western Balkans Investment Fund, classifies the “Komarnica” HPP as an environmentally friendly project, and that the European Commission has identified four specific projects that will be supported, including the “Komarnica” HPP construction project. Urban and technical conditions have been issued for this hydropower plant and the preparation of project documentation is underway. The impact assessment study for the project in question has been challenged by the Environmental Protection Agency and a final position is awaited after completing the necessary procedures.
"The 'Komarnica' HPP in the energy system of Montenegro should enable the implementation of ambitious plans for the construction of new renewable sources of electricity (solar and wind power plants...). The 'Komarnica' HPP project is the most technically ready for implementation, however, from the aspect of spatial protection and environmental impact, it does not have the support of the institutions responsible for environmental protection. Considering the undeniable great importance of the 'Komarnica' HPP in the energy system of Montenegro, and on the other hand the environmental requirements and requirements for spatial protection, for the final decision on the construction of the 'Komarnica' HPP, it is important that conclusions are drawn by the competent institutions of Montenegro within the framework of the project documentation and the accompanying environmental impact assessment," the Plan states.
According to projections, this power plant would produce around 670 GWh annually, which is around 40 percent of the average annual production of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant.
“Kruševo” support for SE and VE
The Gornje Kruševo hydroelectric power plant is planned as a reversible power plant to support system stability and smooth out dips in the production of solar and wind power plants.
"Due to its high manageability of electricity production, it is important for enabling greater integration of new renewable energy sources, whose significant potential has been recognized by both state-owned companies and energy investors," the Plan states.
The annual production of this hydroelectric power plant would be 235 GWh.
The plan also lists the possibilities of using the potential of the Montenegrin part of Lake Bileća, with the caveat that this project would require an intergovernmental agreement, as well as the continuation of research into the energy potential of the Ćehotina and Morača rivers, as well as small hydroelectric power plants on existing infrastructure such as the “Otilović” dam and the outlets and channels for Slano and Krupac. A new aggregate in “Perućica” is also proposed, as well as the transfer of part of the Zeta River waters to the Krupac and Slano reservoirs.
The plan envisages that Montenegro will receive 2030 GWh from new renewable energy sources by 700, and a new 2040 GWh by 2000. Total current production in a good year amounts to 4.000 GWh.
Planners also propose that lower-level plans include the development of infrastructure for charging electric vehicles, for which they expect interest to grow.
VE "Brajići" remains in the plan, but additional studies are required
The Plan also includes a large wind farm in the Brajić area, for which some of the documentation has already been completed, but planners also point to protests from locals and the need for additional consideration of all aspects of spatial protection.
"The wind farm in the area of Brajić and the municipality of Bar is a very favorable project in terms of electricity due to the recognized potential of the location in relation to the electricity network and consumption, due to which it can significantly improve the security and efficiency of supply of the central part of the coastal consumption (as well as achieving national goals in terms of RES and climate change). At the same time, significant resistance from the local community to the implementation of this project has been recognized, with negative impacts on the area and natural and cultural heritage being pointed out. In further activities, with the aim of potential implementation, it is necessary to additionally consider aspects of spatial protection, through a comprehensive development of an Environmental Impact Assessment and a visual impact study. The implementation of the infrastructure facility will depend on the assessment of possible negative impacts on the population, settlements and the environment," the Plan states.
The annual production of this VE is estimated at 250 GWh.
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