The Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) intends to invest more than €72 million in the construction of the Komarnica Hydropower Plant (HPP) by the end of 2028. However, significant segments of civil society are skeptical about this investment, citing concerns over its economic viability and the potential impact on the Nevidio Canyon in the Komarnica River, according to a statement from the Action for Social Justice (ASP).
According to the NGO, EPCG has held a concession for the Komarnica HPP since the time of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) government, with plans for a joint investment involving the state energy company and Elektroprivreda Srbije. While the exact investment amount remains unclear, estimates in the public domain have suggested figures as high as €300 million.
ASP’s information indicates that out of the planned €72 million for the Komarnica HPP over the next five years, around €60 million is projected for investment in 2027 and 2028.
Currently, EPCG owns two large hydropower plants—Perućica and Piva—both of which are decades old. The company is working on modernizing these facilities to boost annual electricity production and extend their operational lifespan.
The ASP emphasizes that EPCG appears indifferent to the ongoing protests from a significant portion of civil society, particularly environmental organizations, which advocate for the preservation of the Komarnica River for future generations and sustainable development.
Regarding the frequently discussed Kruševo HPP, EPCG plans to invest several million euros in the preparation of investment and technical documentation over the next three years.
The state-owned company also aims to invest €164 million in solar panel projects over three years, averaging about €55 million annually. For the upcoming construction of the Krupac solar plant, EPCG has projected an investment of €40 million over the next two years, allocating €25 million for the next year and over €15 million the following year. This year, the company has contracted an advanced study for the Krupac solar plant, with proposed locations.
Despite previously announcing the Briska Gora solar project in collaboration with a Finnish partner, the lack of thorough preparatory work has hindered its progress, and EPCG has since removed it from its future investment plans, the statement concludes.
