On Monday, December 9, 2024, the NGO Green Home organized a panel discussion on the topic “Integrating Environmental Protection into Renewable Energy Projects.” The panel brought together experts from the fields of ecology and energy to constructively discuss the conflict between the need for renewable energy sources and the preservation of natural resources.

The basis for organizing the panel on this topic is the fact that within the goals of the green transition, a shift from fossil to renewable energy sources is necessary. However, the production of electricity from renewable energy sources also impacts the environment, such as the generation of toxic substances, installations that disrupt land use, wildlife usurpation, noise generation, use of large quantities of water, deforestation, eutrophication, river water level disturbance, and habitat degradation caused by these projects.

At the event, a study was presented that analyzed conducted or planned infrastructure projects of larger capacities, offering a set of recommendations for minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Mrs. Azra Vuković, Executive Director of NGO Green Home, emphasized the importance of including ecologists in the early stages of renewable energy projects to enable timely reactions and mitigate negative environmental impacts. In her presentation, she also explained Green Home’s positions regarding the need to reconsider the planned solar power plant project on Briska Gora and the need for an environmental assessment of that project before making a final decision.

Mrs. Tamara Brajović, Director of the Directorate for Nature Protection and Climate Change in the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development of Montenegro, stressed the importance of preserving natural resources and the need for developing a roadmap that will take into account ecological aspects and be based on facts. She also proposed the use of already devastated areas for renewable energy projects.

Mr. Božidar Pavlović, Director of the Directorate for Energy Efficiency in the Ministry of Energy, highlighted efforts to map sustainable locations for renewable energy projects, considering conflicts with the environment.

Mrs. Jelena Marojević Galić, a biologist, reflected on the economic aspects of renewable energy projects, indicating the need for inclusive and transparent processes that will ensure public benefit.

Based on the participants’ presentations, the following conclusions were made:

• The inclusion of ecologists from the beginning of the planning process for renewable energy projects is necessary. Their early inclusion allows the identification and mitigation of potential negative environmental impacts.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects must be conducted objectively, transparently, and thoroughly and be based on scientific facts to ensure that all projects meet ecological standards.
• Respecting and including EU ecological standards in all projects is crucial and involves adhering to directives and regulations that ensure nature protection and sustainable development.
• Promoting dialogue and cooperation among all relevant actors, including government institutions, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and investors, is essential to create a foundation for open and inclusive dialogue that will contribute to decision-making in the interest of all parties.
• The selection and application of best practices and technological innovations that minimize negative impacts on nature must be prioritized, including the use of technologies that reduce the emission of harmful substances, efficient resource use, and biodiversity protection.

The panel discussion was organized within the project “Enhancing the CSO Environmental Engagement under the EU Accession framework (4E)”, implemented by NGO Center for Protection and Study of Birds, NGO Green Home, NGO Society of Young Ecologists, and NGO Northern Land, with financial support of the European Union and co-financing from the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.