The advancement of solar energy in the tourism and hospitality industry, boasting significant potential, offers a strategic opportunity to expedite the green transition and enhance the country’s energy independence, as discussed in a thematic session of the Board of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG).

During the session, initiated by Ranko Jovović, President of the Board of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Montenegro, the strategic project known as Solari 5000+ by the Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) was introduced. To date, 4.48 thousand solar systems have been installed on rooftops, generating an impressive 90 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually.

Attending the session were EPCG’s Executive Director, Ivan Bulatović, who endorsed the initiative, and Bojan Đordan, Executive Director of the Directorate for Renewable Sources of the national power company, who elaborated on the project, its advantages, and the achieved results.

The Solari 5000+ project encompasses a total capacity of 70 MW and an annual production of 115 GWh, with an investment valued at 56.6 million EUR. Notably, 11.32 million was sourced from subsidies provided by EPCG and the Eco Fund.

Consumers will have the option to pay for the system in installments aligned with their monthly electricity bills, thus avoiding additional financial pressure.

The session concluded that tourist facilities are prime candidates for these investments, as they utilize energy at the time of production—specifically during the summer months—where the return on investment is projected to be between five to seven years.

Bojan Đordan emphasized, “This model transforms the consumer into a producer—a prosumer—who not only saves on bills but also enhances the stability of the electricity system.”

He further noted that the green transition is not a fleeting trend but rather a long-term opportunity for development, yielding new benefits, ranging from cost savings and operational expense reductions to job creation and technological advancements via virtual power plants and energy storage.

The meeting also focused on the prospects of installing solar systems in protected areas and multi-storey buildings, facilitated by new legislation promoting collaboration among associated manufacturers. A particular emphasis was placed on the durability of the equipment and technical support, backed by warranties extending up to 25 years.

Ivana Bulatović, General Director of the Directorate for EU Integration, International Funds, and Digitalization at the Ministry of Tourism, stated that the green transition is essential for the advancement of tourism in Montenegro.

In collaboration with the energy sector, the ministry has conducted a project funded by the EU, which allocated EUR 3.5 million, including EUR 500,000 for hotels and EUR 500,000 for private accommodations and rural households, particularly in the municipality of Nikšić.

“These efforts are not isolated; they form part of a wider strategy. Energy efficiency will soon transition from being an incentive to a legal obligation. We must all be prepared,” Bulatović remarked.

She underscored the significance of investing in technologies like heat pumps.

“While incentives are crucial, the imminent shift to legal obligations around energy efficiency means readiness is essential for all,” Bulatović cautioned, urging further support and investment, particularly in heat pump technologies.

The overarching message from the Board session stated that EPCG remains a committed partner in achieving sustainable development goals, providing comprehensive support—from facility assessments to installation, and final commissioning.

“Montenegro has tremendous potential to emerge as a beacon of a sustainable, energy-efficient destination,” the statement concludes.

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