The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in cooperation with local governments implement the project “Solarni katuni”. The project is launched in order to improve living and working conditions for households residing on summer pasture lands and to create conditions for increasing the number of farmers in summer pasture lands.
Problems related to power supply are resolved by installing photovoltaic solar systems which decreases the need for electrification of certain areas and energy obtained in this way is free of charge for the people who reside in summer pasture lands.
The project “Solarni katuni”, in addition to the Montesol project, is a pioneering project in the field of valorization of solar resources in Montenegro and it is an example of successful interdepartmental cooperation and coordination in Montenegro.
Until now 189 photovoltaic systems were installed in summer pasture lands under this project.
Solarni katuni 2011
For the purpose of this project in 2011 funds in the amount of 87.500 € were provided, 80 % (70.000€) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Economy and 20% (17.500€) by end users. The Ministry of Economy has announced tender for selection of most favorable bidder for procurement and installation of photovoltaic systems in summer pasture lands. After the evaluation of bids, the company “Sistem” from Podgorica was selected for implementation of the project and the contract was signed on 28 November 2011.
When it comes to end users, after publishing Public invitation for the allocation of support for the use of solar energy in summer pasture lands in 2011 (from 22 June to 22 July 2011) the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has signed contracts with end users who have met the conditions from the Public invitation. Under this stage of the project, 87 photovoltaic systems were installed in summer pasture lands.
Solarni katuni 2012
The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that implement this project jointly with local governments (Berane, Kolasin, Mojkovac, Plav, Bijelo Polje, Rozaje i Danilovgrad) are implementing the second stage of the project “Solarni katuni” in 2012. The Ministry of Economy announced on 10 October 2012 the tender for public procurement for selecting the most favorable bid for purchase and installation of photovoltaic systems in summer pasture lands in Montenegro. Estimated value of public procurement is 84.400,00 € and it relates to 80% of total value of the project, while 20% is from users. After the evaluation of bids, the company “BB Solar” from Podgorica was selected for implementation of the project. Under this stage of the project, 102 photovoltaic systems were installed in summer pasture lands.