Within the Pljevlja Coal Mine (RUP), there are various departments with the potential to spin off as separate business units and operate independently in the market, stated the company’s executive director, Nemanja Laković.
“Our construction group is already successfully winning contracts through tender procedures with EPCG, the Eco Fund, and the Municipality of Pljevlja, confirming its market potential,” Laković said while presenting activities under the Just Transition Plan focused on business transformation, which was a key topic at this year’s EPCG NET 2025 international energy symposium.
Laković highlighted key projects and strategic directions aimed at diversifying operations and strengthening the company’s market competitiveness.
A significant milestone was the overhaul of the asphalt plant in Židovići, which is now technically ready for the construction season and provides 20 new real jobs. In the field of renewable energy, RUP has initiated procedures to obtain permits for building a 50-megawatt solar power plant, while the technical documentation for the Durutovići small hydroelectric plant has been completed.
“In line with the legal obligation for land reclamation, this year RUP plans to reclaim 35 hectares of land — more than has been done in the past 15 years. By relocating the surface mine from the city center and redirecting the Ćehotina riverbed, a new urban zone is being created, planned for the development of a business and tourism center, with ongoing talks with potential investors,” Laković added.
Although the transformation is being actively pursued, shutting down the RUP system and the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant is not realistic in the near future, as they remain key pillars of Montenegro’s energy stability. At the same time, the transition plan opens opportunities for sustainable local community development through green and innovative projects.
The EPCG NET 2025 international symposium gathered around 250 participants from 17 countries, including leading experts in renewables, just transition, energy efficiency, energy storage, and new technologies.
