English

Fees for the renewable energy sources won’t be increased

Dragica Sekulić

By means of the adoption of the Regulation on the fee for enhancing electricity production generated from renewable energy and highly-efficient co-generation, the Government has set preconditions for raising funds from other sources aimed at enhancing renewable energy electricity production and highly-efficient co-generation that won’t be a burden for the end users. During the presentation of this mechanism, it was announced that a new concept – the polluter pays- will be introduced, said Minister of Economy, Ms Dragic Sekulić.

How far the procedure of the termination of the agreement with seven mini hydro power plant has gone? How much state will have to pay and will there be need for going to the court?

Sekulić: On 17 October, the Government obliged the Ministry of Economy to start negotiations on the termination of the agreement on the construction of small hydro power plants. Negotiations are underway. We are talking with the concessionaires, considering everything thoroughly so that we can come up with the best solution.

How many small hydro power plants and other facilities are waiting for the status of the privileged producer? How many of them will actually acquire that status this year?

Sekulić: According to the Ministry records, out of 77 small hydro power plants, 14 plants are on probation, 24 plants are under construction, 11 plants are waiting for the technical documentation to be prepared. Concession agreements for eight plants have been terminated, and the process of the termination of the agreement in case of 10 plants is currently underway.

Acquiring the privileged producer status falls within the competence of ERA.

Has the plan for the second block of the reconstruction of the Thermal Power Plant in Pljevlja definitely been dropped?

Sekulić: As you probably already know, last year EPCG concluded an agreement with the renowned German Staeg on developing project documentation for the ecological reconstruction of the Thermal Power Plant. It is , therefore, certain that works will begin in spring 2020. At that moment, heating system will be provided, and so EPCG will be able to repay part of its debt to Pljevlja.

As far as the second block is concerned, we can’t say that it won’t be built. It’s primarily a decision based on the comprehensive consideration of current global efforts aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. Although Montenegro’s contribution to CO2 emissions is very small, we greatly respect liabilities regarding that matter. In that context, there’s a great difference between bringing that decision in 2010, 2015 or 2019.

On the other hand, ecological reconstruction of the first block will provide us with enough time to carry out the energy transition and extend the working life of the thermal-energy complex in Pljevlja for the next 20-30 years.

Are you satisfied with the application of the Law on Sunday off? Will you change anything about it in 2020?

Sekulić: It is fully obeyed.

For the eight weeks since it started to be applied, seven irregularities were identified. Competent inspection authority imposed a fine and closed the sale facility.

I think we should wait for the holidays to finish and then, if necessary, to consider the possibility of changing something.

How’s the project of the construction of hydro power plants on Moraća going? Are negotiations with some company underway? Has Chinese Norinko given up on the project?

Sekulić: This project deserves special attention owing to its overall economic impact. Such project implies full respect for internationally assumed liabilities, but it also has to be observed from the aspect of the national interest. That means that we are going to implement this project in accordance with the contemporary technical solutions which will enable full use of potentials.

 

Send this to a friend