Azra Vuković, the executive director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Green Home, has emphasized that solar power generation must be a priority in Montenegro’s energy sector. She expressed serious concerns about the future development of renewable energy production in Montenegro, especially solar energy, in light of the recent issues presented to the public regarding the Solar Construction company.
“It is disheartening that, despite the enormous potential Montenegro has for generating electricity from solar energy, the share of production from this source is only around one percent,” stated Vuković in a press release.
She pointed out that by not harnessing this potential, there is a continued dependence on coal and the operation of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant. This not only contributes to further air pollution but also hinders the fulfillment of commitments outlined in the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and other goals of the European Union (EU) in this area.
“The state of Montenegro must find a simple and efficient way to provide citizens with incentives to install solar panels on the roofs of households and business premises, which will not be subject to the party or personal interests of any group or individual but exclusively to the interests of citizens and the nature of this country,” added Vuković.
She emphasized that the Solari 3000+ project for households and 500+ for business entities, initiated by the Montenegrin power utility Energy company Montenegro (EPCG), could and should have been a catalyst for the development of solar power generation by providing incentives for citizens and households.
“Irresponsible management should not be a noose around the neck of projects that have the potential to be realized in the interest of citizens and the environment,” warned Vuković.
She reminded that Montenegro has outstanding natural conditions for harnessing solar energy and is listed among the countries with the highest solar potential in Southeast Europe, with over two thousand hours of sunlight annually for most parts of the country.
“With this potential being enormous in the coastal area and significant even in the northern parts of the country, the fact that the share of electricity production from solar energy is only about one percent is disheartening,” concluded Vuković.
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