All arrangements are possible for the construction of hydropower plants (HPPs) on the rivers of Morača (238 MW) and Komarnica (168 MW), under the condition that there are no state guarantees, according to Montenegro’s economy minister Vladimir Kavarić.
In an interview to Pobjeda newspaper, he said interest was shown by investors from China, Turkey and Slovenia. “Recently we signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Norinco International Corporation Ltd., in relation to these two projects. On my last visit to Slovenia, I signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey and Slovenia, also about the cooperation on the projects of HPPs Morača and Komarnica,” Kavarić said.
The minister stated there are currently 21 concession contracts for 41 small hydro facilities worth EUR 109 million, with a total capacity of 72 MW and a yearly generation of 244 GWh. Seven plants are already built, adding 10.2 MW and a potential of 40 GWh a year, he said and added public consultations are ongoing for three more water streams, to be auctioned next year.
Earlier, non-governmental organization Green Home said the planning for small hydropower systems is unsustainable. Local population should be included and informed on technical solutions, the amount of water to be used, and the locations, especially because there is no cadastre for the three rivers and because transparency and the environment are important, it said. Green Home demands a team of experts to make sure that only the streams with all necessary aspects covered are included, not only the energy issue.
