Montenegro’s Environmental Protection Agency has approved the planned expansion of the Željezara solar power project in Nikšić, allowing the development to proceed without preparing a full environmental impact assessment. The agency’s decision removes a regulatory requirement for the project’s implementation. The approval relates to an expanded scope of works at the site.
Project developer and regulatory conditions
The project is being developed by state-owned utility EPCG through its subsidiary EPCG Zeljezara. The facilities are planned on the premises of the former steel production complex. Under the agency’s ruling, the investor must follow all approved technical documentation.
The same decision requires compliance with applicable engineering, safety, and environmental standards during both construction and operation. The obligations also apply in case of unforeseen incidents. The approval is tied to adherence to those requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
Layout across rooftops, ground and existing panels
The solar complex will be distributed across multiple areas within the industrial site. Most of the installed capacity will be installed on rooftops of existing facilities. Additional photovoltaic panels are planned for installation on available ground surfaces.
Existing solar installations already operating on one of the plant’s buildings will be integrated into the expanded design. This approach links new capacity additions with operational assets at the same industrial location.
Capacity, generation outlook and earlier project scope
Project documentation sets total installed capacity at 34.58 MW. Of this, 21.21 MW is allocated to rooftops, 11.45 MW to ground-mounted structures, and 1.92 MW from already deployed panels. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate about 46.6 GWh of electricity annually.
The agency’s approval follows an earlier assessment under which authorities determined that a smaller version of the project did not require a comprehensive environmental study. After that initial step, EPCG expanded the development scope. In late 2024, the company first presented plans for a 23 MW solar facility at the Željezara site, with an estimated investment value of EUR 13.8 million.
Role in EPCG’s renewable energy strategy
The enlarged project is part of EPCG’s broader strategy to convert the former steel plant into a renewable energy hub. The company’s stated aim includes increasing Montenegro’s domestic clean electricity generation capacity. It also aligns with long-term energy transition goals described as part of EPCG’s planning for the site.
