Enter the world of Greener, an inspiring Montenegrin enterprise dedicated to leveraging renewable resources for a sustainable future. In a candid conversation with MAG, owner Lazar Komar sheds light on the driving force behind this transformative venture.
Amidst the global call for sustainable practices, Greener stands at the forefront, composed of a team of young electrical engineers proficient in developing renewable power sources projects and integrating them into existing power infrastructure.
Their aim is to modernize Montenegro’s power system through energy-efficient solutions, decarbonization, and digitalization. “We aspire to become a local bastion of knowledge in the field of innovative power technologies, and we’ve already made a lot of progress” Lazar asserts, emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with global innovations.
Since their inception in 2021, they’ve successfully realized over 50 photovoltaic (PV) projects ranging from 3 kW to 30 MW. Their largest power plant, as a separate generating unit, boasting a capacity of 380 kW, proudly stands atop the VHM Solutions buildings in Nikšić. Now, they are preparing execution for 2 MW ground mounted PV plant for commercial delivery of electricity. This PV plant will take a place in the Municipality of Kotor. Moreover, Greener is trusted partners of Montenegrin Electric Enterprise AD Niksic (EPCG) in technical preparation and execution of Solari 3000+ (500+) as well as all other PV projects.
But Greener’s impact transcends mere numbers. Their vision extends to fostering a global movement towards economically sustainable growth, as echoed in a compelling call on their website: join the Green Transition.
“Our industry is incredibly dynamic today, but it hasn’t always been so. Technological advancements over the past decade have significantly brought sustainable energy systems closer to end-users. Furthermore, we’re witnessing a global shift in energy management from predominantly corporate hands to those of citizens.”
However, Lazar affirms that the power system transformation and a green transition are intricate processes that require time and a patient, incremental approach to development.
“Before formally establishing the company, I had been collaborating with UNDP on improvement regulations and laws to make installation of photovoltaic systems possible and legal. Administrative procedures were complex and discouraging for all stakeholders. Practically, at that time, no panels could be installed in Montenegro.”
As Lazar states, Montenegro is an ideal setting for pilot projects, and it’s essential to utilize this advantage effectively.
“I can confidently say that the private sector is the most progressive part of this society, especially concerning innovation and the ability to adapt to market developments. It’s a pity to miss subsidies available from Green funds. Young people should take a proactive approach and refrain from wasting time by constantly seeking opportunities with state energy companies.”
Powering communities
Generating electricity from renewable sources is a topic pertinent to both households and commercial players. While the solar potential in Montenegro is significant, Lazar highlights two crucial factors to consider: the relatively modest size of the Montenegrin market and the fact that its industrial capacities, which require substantial amounts of electricity, are not as advanced.
“I have a friend from Bosnia who embarked on a similar business journey at the same time. While we always compete in various aspects, when it comes to megawatt production, last year, he achieved a result 40 times greater than ours in the markets of Bosnia and Serbia.”
In Montenegro, however, Lazar claims that much can be achieved, but certain industries need to be provided with good reasons to invest in such endeavors.
For instance, through Solari 3000+ (500+), EPCG aimed to tap into Montenegro’s vast solar energy potential, empowering citizens, companies, and private institutions to generate their own energy through solar panel installations and become prosumers—both producers and consumers.
“We must emphasize the enormous positive impact of this project in promoting usage of solar energy and the prosumer concept in Montenegro.”
Moreover, he expressed his gratitude to VHM Solutions who placed trust in the team and granted complete freedom to design technical solutions, deliver high-quality equipment, and carry out installation and commissioning works. Presently, their photovoltaic plant generates electricity to fulfill over 90% of the total annual end-user requirements, indicating that the anticipated investment payback period will likely be shorter than expected.
In fact, we learned that Greener also offers an innovative and smart concept with its upcoming project Greener Urban Living, which involves the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of multi-unit residential buildings.
This project leverages new facilities where they can model roof surfaces from the outset to achieve much better coverage efficiency. The complete PV plant should be divided into several smaller units, with some apartment owners (the quickest ones!) having the opportunity to apply and become prosumers.
“In this initiative, we aim to engage not only apartment owners but also businesses operating within the building (such as restaurants, offices, and gyms)—everyone who can synchronize their consumption with the production of the PV system in real-time. Networking these systems into a unified entity and participating in the energy market could be highly beneficial.
“It would be great if someone from the construction business expressed interest to pilot such a solution. The benefits would be long-term for both parties. The same can be applied to systems like hospitality chains— investing in electro-energy infrastructure helps save money, which can
be reinvested in service development. It’s about better resource allocation in every sense, a typical example of the circular economy on which modern sustainable development is based.”
Inner potential
While recognizing the considerable potential of the youthful Greener team to handle a broad spectrum of energy sector tasks—including the design of HV infrastructure, LV, ELV installation, smart systems, and lighting design—they are presently directing their attention towards renewable power sources.
Lazar believes that the rapid pace of change demands constant growth from the company, requiring them to stay attuned to and meet all market demands, expand corporate infrastructure, and accumulate knowledge and experience.
“To be an entrepreneur in Montenegro, you have to be multi, multi, multi, multidisciplinary. And I believe that’s why many young people become easily discouraged. I remember my early days at work and how I volunteered just to learn the job. I quickly realized that I had to absorb knowledge whenever the opportunity arose. That’s why at Greener, we genuinely want to give young people without knowledge and experience a chance, provided they have the will to progress and specialize in this field.”
“Discipline and trust in what you are doing are crucial,” he says, stressing the importance of being where innovations happen.
“I had an excellent opportunity with my former company to travel across Europe and witness the changes in industry. Visits to trade shows are a great source of knowledge and partnerships. I try to maintain this activity today in Greener.
At last, Lazar states that the current workload aligns well with the company’s capacity. The focus is on work, which is why they dedicate very little time to promotion. In his words, the best promotion comes from successfully obtained projects and new inquiries brought predominantly by their satisfied Clients. Nevertheless, their green business, by its nature, entails constant community engagement for those who wish to be part of a sustainable story. Proud of their excellent network of contacts and partners, Greener asserts that it’s more than open to collaboration on projects that have positive effects on society and the community as a whole.
Visit Greener website to discover more: www.greener.co.me