In Gacko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, local authorities have aligned with residents who are opposing a significant solar power project slated for construction on agricultural land in the Stepen area. This decision follows a petition that garnered nearly 1,700 signatures from concerned citizens. The municipal assembly’s unanimous support for halting the project marks a critical moment in the ongoing debate over land use in the region.
The proposed solar facility is designed to occupy around 203 hectares of state-owned land, an area that is vital for local livestock farming. Residents assert that transforming this pastureland into a solar energy site poses a direct threat to their agricultural livelihoods, which are central to the community’s economic stability.
Opposition to the solar project has intensified since its initial approval by the municipality in 2023. Local stakeholders are now viewing the assembly’s recent decision as a potential turning point, hoping it will lead to the project’s cancellation or significant modifications.
Municipal officials have reiterated their openness to energy investments but stress that such developments should not compromise agricultural land. Mayor Vukota Govedarica has made it clear that repurposing farmland for construction is not an option in this case, reflecting a broader concern about balancing energy needs with agricultural sustainability.
The concession process for the solar project has advanced considerably, with the public call for awarding it already completed. The investment is projected at approximately €85 million. Notably, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska acknowledged that earlier municipal support was crucial in moving the project forward to its current stage.
The Ministry also pointed out that Gacko had previously issued favorable opinions and approved essential planning documents necessary for the project’s progression, including amendments to spatial plans and regulatory frameworks for the southern industrial zone.
While the concession agreement remains unsigned, any future developments—including possible relocation of the solar plant—will need to adhere to existing planning regulations and legal procedures. This situation highlights the complexities involved in renewable energy projects within regions where agricultural land plays a critical role in local economies.
