EPCG’s Kapino Polje B1 solar project may be modest in terms of capacity, but its importance extends far beyond its size. The 11.4 MWp solar plant near Nikšić is expected to generate around 15.8 GWh in its first year of operation and represents the first phase of four planned solar facilities at Kapino Polje, with the broader investment programme valued at approximately €35.1 million. For Montenegro, which is seeking to expand domestic renewable generation, the project represents another step in the strategic transformation of the country’s energy sector, with EPCG as a state-owned utility playing a central role.
However, Kapino Polje also highlights the growing importance of environmental and social considerations in renewable energy development. Environmental organizations have raised concerns about the sensitivity of the wider area, particularly regarding birds, wetlands and biodiversity protection. While the approved environmental impact assessment notes that the specific project site is not formally designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) or Natura 2000 protected area, it also recognizes the ecological significance of the wider Nikšićko polje region.
This balance between renewable expansion and environmental protection will become increasingly important as Montenegro’s clean energy sector develops. Investors, lenders, EU institutions and strategic partners are placing greater emphasis on transparent environmental assessments, strong permitting processes and credible mitigation measures. Renewable energy projects may contribute to decarbonization goals, but their long-term success depends on responsible planning and effective stakeholder engagement.
Kapino Polje therefore represents more than a solar investment—it is a test of governance and sustainability standards for Montenegro’s future renewable market. The country has significant potential for solar development, but future projects will need comprehensive biodiversity assessments, cumulative-impact analysis, environmental monitoring and clear mitigation strategies. As a state-backed initiative, EPCG’s approach to delivering Kapino Polje responsibly will play an important role in shaping investor confidence and the credibility of Montenegro’s next generation of renewable energy projects.
