Pljevlja coalmine maps a coal-to-renewables pathway in Montenegro via hydropower and solar

Montenegro’s Pljevlja coalmine is moving beyond coal by building its next generation of power assets around hydropower and solar energy, using existing site infrastructure to support the shift. The company’s portfolio includes a small hydropower project tied to an existing dam and a utility-scale solar plan within the Potrlica mining area, both aimed at gradually lowering dependence on coal.

The effort is anchored by the Pljevlja coalmine in Montenegro, which has launched multiple initiatives focused on transitioning from coal toward renewable energy. The near-term emphasis is on developing one small hydropower plant and one solar power facility.

Durutovići: repurposing mining water infrastructure for power

A central component is a small hydropower plant (SHPP) planned at Durutovići. The location leverages an existing dam originally built to divert the Žehotina River for mining operations at the Potrlica site. With expectations that the river will return closer to its natural course, the same infrastructure can be redirected toward electricity generation rather than diversion.

The proposed SHPP would have a capacity of 2.2 MW. It is designed as a diversion-type facility, positioned about 400 meters downstream from the dam. The project is also expected to operate in coordination with another nearby SHPP, Otilovići, which is currently being developed by EPCG.

Potrlica solar buildout targets 81.1 MW with storage potential

Alongside hydropower, Pljevlja coalmine is progressing a solar power project within the Potrlica mining area. The development would cover approximately 63 hectares, targeting around 81.1 MW of planned capacity. A potential grid connection of 62.5 MW has been identified, though final parameters are subject to ongoing technical assessments.

The solar initiative is estimated to require an investment of about €40 million. It is also expected to incorporate battery storage systems, intended to improve flexibility and reliability as renewable output varies.

Status: permits moving for hydro; approvals secured for solar documentation work

The permitting process for the Durutovići hydropower plant is currently underway. By contrast, the solar project has already obtained key approvals and is moving toward the tender phase, where technical documentation will be prepared.

A staged shift away from coal using existing land and assets

Taken together, these projects signal a strategic shift: Pljevlja coalmine plans to use available land and repurpose established infrastructure to support incremental growth in renewable generation while reducing dependence on coal.