EPCG is developing the Kapino Polje B1 solar project near Nikšić in Montenegro. The plant has a capacity of 11.4 MWp and is expected to produce around 15.8 GWh in its first year of operation. It is described as the first phase of four planned solar facilities at Kapino Polje. The broader investment programme is valued at approximately €35.1 million.
Kapino Polje is also being used to assess environmental and social considerations linked to state-led renewables development. Environmental organizations have raised concerns about the sensitivity of the wider area, including impacts on birds, wetlands and biodiversity protection. The approved environmental impact assessment states that the specific project site is not formally designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) or a Natura 2000 protected area. At the same time, it recognizes the ecological significance of the wider Nikšićko polje region.
Environmental impact assessment and biodiversity concerns
The project’s permitting framework includes reference to ecological conditions across the broader Nikšićko polje area. While the site itself is not designated as an IBA or Natura 2000 area, the assessment acknowledges wider environmental relevance. Concerns highlighted by environmental organizations focus on birds, wetlands and biodiversity protection in that wider context. This positioning links project development to how environmental risks are identified and addressed during approval.
Financing expectations for permitting and mitigation
As Montenegro’s clean energy sector develops, investors, lenders, EU institutions and strategic partners are placing greater emphasis on transparent environmental assessments. They are also focusing on strong permitting processes and credible mitigation measures for renewable projects. The source material links these expectations to how long-term project outcomes depend on responsible planning and stakeholder engagement. In this context, Kapino Polje is presented as more than a generation asset within EPCG’s state-backed role.
The next steps for future solar development in Montenegro are described as requiring comprehensive biodiversity assessments and cumulative-impact analysis. Environmental monitoring and clear mitigation strategies are also identified as elements needed for forthcoming projects. The approach taken by EPCG in delivering Kapino Polje is cited as relevant to investor confidence and the credibility of Montenegro’s next generation of renewable energy projects.
