The recently passed Law on the Utilization of Renewable Energy Sources serves as a safeguard for the nation while presenting citizens with a remarkable opportunity to engage in electricity production, stated Saša Mujović, the Minister of Energy and Mining.
“This represents our modest contribution to Montenegro’s journey towards the EU. It offers citizens the chance to establish energy cooperatives, reap profits, and foster collaboration. We’re injecting entrepreneurship into the energy sector,” Mujović declared during an episode of the TVCG program Arguments.
He emphasized the law’s significance for northern Montenegro, particularly in Pljevlja and Bijelo Polje.
“This legislation is pivotal in securing market advantages and delivering substantial benefits to the state. We recognize citizens as pivotal players in the energy transition, offering them the means to harness solar and wind energy. It’s not solely for corporations to capitalize on,” Mujović affirmed.
Explaining further, he revealed that every Montenegrin resident would have the opportunity to install solar panels on their residential buildings.
“The more buildings involved, the stronger the energy community becomes. Increased electricity production enables greater market participation. Our aim is to ensure proper valuation of electrical energy and empower citizens to leverage this potential, thereby alleviating energy poverty,” Mujović elaborated.
Regarding the compensation arrangement between the Republic of Srpska and the Municipality of Nikšić for land submerged under the Bileća Lake, Mujović assured that he never intended to compromise Montenegro’s interests. Opposition parties criticized the agreement, alleging that the government forfeited funds owed for flooded land over the past three decades, which Bosnia and Herzegovina failed to pay to Montenegro.
Nonetheless, Mujović underscored that the Republic of Srpska’s debt to Montenegro remains outstanding.
“However, I advocate for handling matters diplomatically. I empathize with my counterparts. Both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska grapple with challenges akin to Montenegro’s. We’ll devise a repayment plan for the debt, as there’s no need for confrontational gestures. My priority is to see the hydropower potential of the Bileća Lake fully utilized in Montenegro,” concluded Mujović.
