Montenegro’s Thermal Power Plant (TPP) Pljevlja has marked a pivotal advancement in its environmental strategy with the initiation of trial operations for its new flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system. This project, which involved an extensive and technically challenging installation phase, is part of a broader effort to modernize the plant and mitigate its environmental impact.
The FGD system, as noted by the Montenegrin utility company EPCG, is the first of its kind in the nation. Its implementation is a crucial element of TPP Pljevlja’s comprehensive ecological overhaul. The operational status of this system has led to a significant reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, a key indicator of air quality improvement. Initial monitoring results indicate that outlet sulfur dioxide concentrations have decreased dramatically to approximately 61 mg/m³, down from 4,544 mg/m³ recorded in March 2025 and 3,249 mg/m³ following previous upgrades to the boiler and chimney in December 2025.
Looking ahead, EPCG plans to conduct further fine-tuning of the FGD system over the coming months, alongside ongoing emissions monitoring. This proactive approach aims to ensure consistent long-term performance and adherence to stringent European environmental standards. The commissioning of this desulfurization technology has been termed a turning point for Montenegro’s electricity sector. If the current performance levels are maintained, both sulfur and nitrogen oxide reduction systems at TPP Pljevlja will align with EU industrial emissions regulations.
EPCG has also committed to a transparent process regarding the remaining phases of ecological reconstruction at the plant, ensuring that stakeholders and the public are kept informed as developments progress. This initiative not only reflects Montenegro’s commitment to enhancing its energy infrastructure but also underscores the increasing importance of environmental compliance in the region’s power sector.
