The Montenegrin government has officially extended the timeline for the Otilovići small hydropower project, a key initiative led by the state-owned utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG). This extension, amounting to ten months, is part of a new agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mining aimed at facilitating the completion of the project’s initial phase near Pljevlja.
This decision represents the third amendment to the concession agreement originally established in 2022. Earlier this year, EPCG accelerated project progress by appointing Vigoris Ecotech for both design and construction tasks, a move made necessary after multiple unsuccessful tender attempts.
According to the revised schedule, EPCG is now expected to secure a construction permit by late September 2026, marking the formal conclusion of the preparatory phase. Initially, the utility was tasked with completing technical documentation and obtaining all requisite permits within an 18-month timeframe; however, ongoing delays have necessitated repeated extensions.
Following the completion of this first phase, attention will shift to the second stage, which encompasses construction and commissioning activities. This phase is projected to last two years as stipulated in the concession agreement. The facility will feature two horizontal Francis turbine units, collectively boasting an installed capacity of approximately 3.2 MW.
Upon its completion, the Otilovići small hydropower plant is anticipated to generate around 11 GWh of electricity annually. This output is expected to meet the energy demands of approximately 1,800 households, thereby supporting Montenegro’s broader objectives for renewable energy expansion.
