Čabarkapa: It is possible to develop projects whose annual electricity production would be six times higher than the current one

The results of the national study mapping optimal locations for the development of solar and wind energy projects, Montenegro Energy Growth Acceleration (MEGA), were presented today at the Science and Technology Park in Podgorica.

The MEGA national study was developed as part of the project of the same name, which was implemented by Eko-tim and The Nature Conservancy, a global nature conservation organization, with the support of key national institutions in the fields of energy, nature conservation, agriculture, forestry and others, reports Media biro.

"Our goal was to provide Montenegro and its institutions with a scientifically based basis for smart planning of solar and wind development. Over 50 experts from the fields of energy, spatial planning, and social sciences participated in this process, and numerous institutions were involved that were part of this process and provided institutional support. By using the method of smart location selection, for the first time at the national level we systematically looked at where the development of solar and wind makes sense with the least conflicts with all the values ​​that a space knows," said Milija Čabarkapa, executive director of the non-governmental organization Eco-team.

He said that the results of the analysis are very encouraging.

"The analysis shows that in locations with minimal conflicts it is possible to develop projects whose annual production could reach over 21 TWh, which is as much as six times more than the current annual electricity production in Montenegro. I think this is a more than clear signal to Montenegro that it can develop the energy sector without destroying the area around it. This process can be fast, because, on the other hand, where there is conflict, these projects are very slow or are closed. Montenegro can thus quite easily achieve its climate and energy goals that it has taken on on its way to the EU. I call on institutions and investors not to view this study as another report that will be forgotten a few days after this event, but to use it as a tool for planning, decision-making and the real acceleration of the sustainable energy transition in Montenegro," said Čabarkapa.

Igor Vejnović, The Nature Conservancy's program director for Southeast Europe, pointed out that the project is aimed at solving the two biggest ecological crises - the drastic decline in the number of animal and plant species and the climate crisis.

"Montenegro is one of the countries that has a high level of biodiversity at the European and global levels. On the one hand, we look at the development potential - the availability of sun, wind and grid capacity, and on the other hand, we look at the space from the perspective of the sensitivity of the impact on nature and people, and we overlap these two maps to obtain optimal locations," explained Vejnović.

He also drew attention to the intermediate step they took two years ago.

"Two years ago we did a pilot project in Nikšić. Nikšić municipality is a development hotspot for a reason. Now we have moved to the national level and we hope that this study will be used," he added.

Acting Director of the Investment Agency of Montenegro Mirjana Kojić emphasized that they were happy to support this project by signing a joint memorandum.

"This study showed us everything on a map - it overlapped the potential and risks. The Investment Agency wants to provide all investors with a clear, reliable and predictable framework for investment. This year we are also working on a Strategy that will be defined by the end of the year."

State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mining Matija Medojević recalled that in the past two years, the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources and the new Law on Energy have been adopted.

"This has created all the necessary foundations for stronger project development and the awarding of market premiums. Our reform agenda is focused on further improving this framework with a special emphasis on creating a stable and predictable environment for investors and accelerating the energy transition. In December last year, the Government adopted the National Energy Climate Plan, which represents a key strategic document that guides our climate and energy policy and strengthens institutional capacities. Its future implementation is a crucial step towards decarbonization, energy security and sustainable development," said Medojević.

Aleksandra Bujaroska, Senior Expert for Environmental Management, Permitting and Planning at the Energy Community Secretariat, expressed her satisfaction with being part of the team supporting Montenegro on its path towards adopting the Renewable Energy Directive.

The methodology and key findings of the study were presented in detail at the event by energy expert and leader of the expert team engaged in the project, Zoran Miljanić, and GIS expert Biljana Medenica.