The construction of the Sokolac solar power plant is anticipated to begin by October, following the issuance of the necessary building permit. Mayor Milovan Bjelica mentioned that the process of converting agricultural land into urban construction land for this €120 million investment is currently ongoing. He expects construction to commence by the end of the construction season, which lasts until October, as the paperwork for the 100 MW solar power plant is nearly complete.
The project faced delays due to a prolonged environmental permitting process, which took six months. However, the location conditions permit has now been issued, clearing the way for construction. The solar power plant will be situated on the Glasinac plateau, benefiting from 1,350 hours of sunshine annually, while only 950 hours are needed for profitability. Cooling devices for the panels are unnecessary due to the area’s average annual temperature of nine degrees Celsius.
EnerState, a Sokolac-based company and a subsidiary of the German Profine group, is the investor. Representatives from EnerState have recently visited China, where they secured an agreement for the installation of the plant’s equipment. The construction and commissioning of the power plant are expected to be completed within 15 months from the day the building permit is obtained.