Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining has formalized a collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with The Nature Conservancy and Eko-tim organizations. This collaboration signifies a joint commitment to fostering solar and wind development projects in Montenegro while concurrently safeguarding natural and societal values. The primary goal of the memorandum is to streamline the creation and execution of a national study focusing on the optimal placement of solar and wind farms in Montenegro. The study aims to pinpoint areas with minimal conflict for renewable energy development.
Building on a recent evaluation of solar and wind energy potential in Nikšić Municipality, the ministry plans to offer institutional and expert support for the study. The ultimate objective is to enhance the progress of renewable energy development and formulate national strategies aligned with climate neutrality goals. This collaborative initiative aligns with the EU’s REPowerEU plan, which urges member countries to identify regions for accelerated renewable energy development.
The ministry is also set to support feasibility studies on energy storage system development at the Željezara Nikšić location. This initiative seeks to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy resources by effectively storing excess electricity during surplus periods and redistributing it to the grid when demand arises.
The success of this project could result in the establishment of a demonstration center for zero-net-emission industry in Southeast Europe, generating new employment opportunities in the clean energy sector. Montenegro, like the rest of the world, grapples with the challenge of maintaining energy stability amid climate and biodiversity crises without exacerbating existing issues. Recognizing that the extensive use of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global temperature rise, Montenegro views reliable solar and wind energy technologies as pivotal for the nation’s future energy system.
The Ministry underscores that the transition to renewable sources, particularly solar and wind, necessitates careful consideration of their placement due to the substantial space they occupy. Failing to choose suitable locations could lead to conflicts and put at risk the biodiversity, cultural heritage, social fabric, and economic values of an area. This, in turn, may encounter opposition from local communities and experts, potentially impeding the realization of renewable energy projects.
