Today in Montenegro there are 31 active contracts for small power plants, ie this number of power plants is still in operation. From 2010 to 2021, a total of 14 similar concession agreements were terminated.

It is quite clear that small hydropower projects that have a small, almost invisible impact on energy stability and independence, and potentially large consequences for rivers and surrounding ecosystems, especially for "wild" rivers with drinking water, as well as for the sustainable development of rural areas, they risk the stability of local communities and continue to widen the gap between the over-rich group and those who struggle daily for bare survival.

Data manipulation

Rivers are invaluable for the citizens of Montenegro and therefore it is necessary, first of all, to assess their value in the ecosystem and, accordingly, with the active participation of the public, to make a decision on their valuation, which means much more than using hydro potential for electricity generation. It is unacceptable in the 21st century, when ICT tools are used to a significant extent for environmental monitoring, that the competent institutions do not monitor water quality or flow data in real time, which would protect the public from manipulating the data on the biological minimum. in watercourses, which are given to concessionaires with decades of use.

It is incomprehensible that neither the investors themselves, given all the controversies that accompany small hydropower projects, nor those who do the environmental impact assessment studies and the competent institutions that give them the necessary approvals, have not recognized all the risks of non-transparent work, instead of the business being visible to the public in every part related to the environmental impact.

 To reconsider the concessions

Therefore, we believe that it is in the public interest to review all given concessions for small hydropower plants, to make an overview of the current situation with all environmental and economic parameters and to inform the public about it, in order to prevent the consequences and make an attempt. to fix what can be fixed.

Finally, all those who put profits above the public interest and who try to profit by discrediting CSOs in party circles or who are victims of blackmail and pressure should be told that the protection of the rivers in Montenegro is worth fighting for. and that they will always have sincere protectors in environmental organizations, because we recognize all their beauty and potential, as well as the power of their "wildness".

(The author is the director of the environmental movement "Ozone")

Taken from „VijestiFrom Podgorica