Montenegro’s Environmental Protection Agency has approved the planned expansion of the Željezara solar power project in Nikšić, ruling that the development can proceed without the preparation of a full environmental impact assessment. The decision effectively removes a key regulatory hurdle for the project’s implementation.
The project is being developed by state-owned utility EPCG through its subsidiary EPCG Zeljezara, located on the premises of the former steel production complex. Under the agency’s ruling, the investor is required to follow all approved technical documentation and comply with applicable engineering, safety, and environmental standards during both construction and operation phases, including in case of unforeseen incidents.
The solar complex will be distributed across multiple areas within the industrial site. The majority of the installed capacity will be placed on rooftops of existing facilities, while additional photovoltaic panels will be installed on available ground surfaces. Existing solar installations already operating on one of the plant’s buildings will also be integrated into the expanded project design.
According to project documentation, the facility will have a total installed capacity of 34.58 MW, consisting of 21.21 MW on rooftops, 11.45 MW on ground-mounted structures, and 1.92 MW from already deployed panels. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 46.6 GWh of electricity annually, contributing significantly to domestic renewable energy output.
The approval follows an earlier assessment in which authorities determined that a smaller version of the project did not require a comprehensive environmental study. Since then, EPCG has significantly expanded the scope of the development. In late 2024, the company initially presented plans for a 23 MW solar facility at the Željezara site, with an estimated investment value of EUR 13.8 million.
The enlarged project is part of EPCG’s broader strategy to transform the former steel plant into a renewable energy hub, while increasing Montenegro’s domestic clean electricity generation capacity and supporting long-term energy transition goals.
