Construction of largest solar power plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina begins

The construction of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest solar power plant has officially commenced. The location for the facility with a peak capacity of 125 MW is in the municipality of Stolac, near the village of Komanje Brdo. The project has caused discontent among some residents.

The investment is valued at EUR 100 million. According to the investor’s estimates, the power plant is expected to generate around 200 GWh of electricity annually over the next three decades.

The cornerstone was laid by Mayor of Stolac Stjepan Bošković, along with the representatives Aurora Solar, which developed the project, and Chinese company Norinco International, the contractor.

In recent years, the City of Stolac has actively promoted solar initiatives, with a particular focus on Komanje Brdo, according to the local authority’s website. It expects to collect between EUR 1.53 and EUR 2.05 million per year through the concession and utility fees.

 The project has faced public criticism

Despite its scale and potential, the project has faced criticism from a part of the public. Citizens gathered in an informal initiative called Za Komanje Brdo (For Komanje Brdo) have repeatedly raised concerns about a lack of transparency, the absence of public consultation, and alleged non-compliance with environmental protection laws. They claim the permitting process wasn’t transparent and that the local community was not adequately involved in decisions that directly affect its environment and quality of life.

“We are not against renewable energy sources, but we are against arbitrariness, the disregard for the law, and the neglect of residents’ interests. This project was launched against the will of the people,” residents said at a protest held on the same day that construction began, local media outlet Glas Stoca reported.

On the other hand, the investors claim the project is of strategic importance, promising new jobs and long-term benefits for the local community. They also maintain that all necessary permits were obtained in accordance with the law.

Despite public opposition and official complaints submitted to relevant institutions, construction works began on April 28. The plant is expected to be completed within a year and is set to become the largest photovoltaic park in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently, the largest solar power plant in the country is Hodovo, operated by Eco-Wat.