Montenegro’s state energy company, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), has not abandoned the construction of the Komarnica hydroelectric power plant (HPP Komarnica). However, it has temporarily withdrawn its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report from the approval process due to a short deadline imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to submit additional information.
EPCG stated it plans to enhance the project’s transparency and professionalism by partnering with a reputable international company, drawing on best practices from countries like Norway, Austria, and France, which successfully balance ecological standards with energy development.
The company intends to supplement the environmental impact report with a specific study on the UNESCO World Heritage site Durmitor National Park, following UNESCO’s methodology, and to prepare ecological studies in line with international financial institutions’ standards (ESIA – Environmental Social Impact Assessment).
The Komarnica project is included in Montenegro’s Draft Spatial Plan until 2040 and is listed among priority infrastructure projects for potential European funding. EPCG expects to receive approval for the updated environmental impact report.
Citing examples from Norway, Austria, and France, EPCG believes Montenegro can also find a balance between ecological concerns, development, and investment needs through cooperation with international partners.
On May 20, EPCG informed the Environmental Protection Agency of its withdrawal of the current EIA request, leading to the formal suspension of the assessment process. This procedural step complies with administrative law provisions that allow applicants to withdraw requests at any time during the process.
EPCG emphasized that it remains committed to building HE Komarnica. The company highlighted ongoing investments in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and upgrades of existing hydropower plants, stressing that hydropower remains critical for ensuring the stability of Montenegro’s energy system, particularly amid the global energy crisis and rising electricity prices.
The company also noted the global trend toward reversible hydropower plants, which support renewable energy production with low CO2 emissions, water reserve management, flood control, irrigation, and improved local community conditions.
Norway recently passed legislation allowing hydropower development on protected rivers to combat climate change, a move mirrored by Montenegro’s National Energy and Climate Plan and strategic infrastructure lists.
The HE Komarnica project involves constructing a 172 MW run-of-river plant with a 171-meter-high arch concrete dam in the Komarnica river canyon at the Lonci profile. Expected annual electricity production is approximately 213 GWh, with full compliance to environmental protection standards ensuring no disruption to natural water regimes or the surrounding Nevidio canyon ecosystem.
The Montenegrin government granted EPCG a concession for the Komarnica hydropower plant in August 2020, awarding it directly as a majority state-owned company without a public tender.
Regarding the EIA process, EPCG explained that after submitting the initial report, it received unusually short deadlines from the Environmental Protection Agency’s expert commission for amendments. Despite requests for extensions, the combined time was insufficient to complete the required updates, prompting EPCG to withdraw the report temporarily. EPCG also filed complaints with the Ministry of Ecology regarding the commission’s composition, which led to its partial reformation.
EPCG confirmed full transparency throughout the process, including holding several public hearings. The company remains optimistic about resuming the procedure and continuing the Komarnica hydropower project within the year.
