A recent environmental impact assessment (EIA) study has concluded that the planned Buk Bijela hydropower plant on the Drina River is not expected to have negative effects on Montenegro. The findings provide important reassurance amid ongoing regional discussions about the project’s environmental implications.
According to Dušan Živković, head of Elektroprivreda Srbije, the analysis confirms that the project can be implemented without compromising natural ecosystems. He emphasized that the objective is to use available resources in a responsible and sustainable way, while preserving environmental values for future generations.
The study, prepared by a regional consortium of experts, offers a comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions, potential risks, and mitigation measures. It covers both the construction phase and the long-term operation of the facility, ensuring that all key aspects of environmental protection are addressed.
Experts involved in the assessment highlighted that protected areas in Montenegro, including Durmitor National Park and the Piva Nature Park, would remain unaffected. The analysis also identified no significant risks to biodiversity, water systems, or public health, beyond the existing impact of the Piva hydropower plant.
Representatives from Elektroprivreda Crne Gore stressed that large-scale energy projects such as Buk Bijela should be approached in a constructive and cooperative manner. They noted that technical and environmental challenges can be effectively managed through careful planning, allowing such investments to move forward while maintaining high environmental standards.
