The Montenegrin government has granted state-owned utility EPCG the necessary environmental clearance to advance the construction of the Otilovići small hydropower plant, located near Pljevlja. This decision comes after local environmental authorities concluded that a comprehensive environmental impact assessment was not required for the project, streamlining the path forward for EPCG.
The hydropower facility is set to be built at the existing Otilovići dam on the Cehotina River, with an anticipated installed capacity of 2.96 MW. The plant is projected to generate around 11.56 GWh of electricity annually, with a total investment estimated at approximately 8.2 million euros, inclusive of VAT.
According to a statement from Montenegro’s Environmental Protection Agency, EPCG must adhere to all relevant technical standards and environmental protection protocols throughout both construction and operational phases. The agency has also mandated that all mitigation measures specified in the project documentation be thoroughly executed.
This development leverages existing infrastructure, utilizing the Otilovići reservoir and dam without altering the current hydrological conditions of the river system. Officials noted that this strategic location significantly minimizes potential environmental impacts, as the new hydropower facility will be situated directly downstream from the existing dam.
The scope of development includes constructing a water intake pipeline, a powerhouse outfitted with electro-mechanical systems, a control facility, and a substation for connecting to Montenegro’s national electricity grid. In 2023, the Government of Montenegro issued urban and technical conditions for this initiative, following EPCG’s submission of its environmental assessment request at the end of April.
<pAdditionally, authorities have approved a 10-month extension for completing the initial phase of this project. EPCG has indicated that construction could be completed by October 2027. This year will primarily focus on finalizing design plans, obtaining necessary permits, and preparing further environmental documentation, while actual construction activities are expected to commence in autumn and last roughly one year.
<pEarlier in 2023, EPCG entered into a turnkey agreement with local firm Vigoris Ecotech, which encompasses detailed design work, civil engineering tasks, equipment delivery and installation, as well as testing and commissioning for the forthcoming hydropower plant.
