Overview
The Government of Montenegro has proposed the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (Draft Amendments), which introduces measures aimed at accelerating the use of renewable energy.
Key Measures
The key measures include:
- mapping of areas suitable for renewable energy development and designation of accelerated development areas for renewable energy projects;
- shorter deadlines for rendering decisions on the necessity of preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study for projects located in accelerated development areas (45 days, or exceptionally 30 days for projects up to 150 kW and modernisation projects of existing facilities without significant increase in environmental impact);
- recognition of renewable energy projects, including planning, construction and use of renewable energy plants, their connection to the system and energy storage systems, as being of prevailing public interest;
- determining that the renewable energy projects have priority in permitting and environmental procedures;
- increased minimum renewable energy share requirements for buildings of public authorities and other entities financed from the state budget;
- encouraging the use of renewable energy for heating and cooling;
- reduced electricity distribution system charges for renewable energy communities and prosumers acting jointly, in proportion to their reduced use of the transmission and distribution networks.
Outlook
In this regard, the Draft Amendments are expected to simplify permitting procedures and support the development of renewable energy projects in Montenegro.
The information in this document does not constitute legal advice on any particular matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.
