Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has received environmental impact assessment approval for the construction of the “Krupac” solar power plant near Krupac Lake in Nikšić, covering around 1.18 million square meters (118 hectares). The project, valued at approximately €28.2 million, is part of the broader development of solar and reversible power plants in the Nikšić field.
The plant will have a total capacity of 46.96 MWp, using 192,000 photovoltaic modules, and is expected to produce about 61.68 GWh of electricity annually.
The site is mainly hilly with low vegetation, which will be cleared where solar panels are installed. The assessment highlights protection measures for nearby water sources, particularly the Poklonci spring, now part of the Nikšić public water supply. The solar panels will also help reduce water evaporation from surface water during summer by shading the ground.
The project includes building four access roads totaling 1.88 kilometers to support plant operations. No cultural or archaeological sites were identified in the area. Monitoring of bird populations will be conducted annually.
During construction, standard machine-related pollution is expected, but no harmful emissions affecting local residents or the environment are anticipated. The main environmental impact is expected on the local landscape.
Urban planning and technical permits for the Krupac solar plant were issued by the government in September 2023.