First solar power plant in a rural area in Bosnia and Herzegovina, constructed by donations of 226 individuals and organizations through a crowdfunding campaign, was installed on the roof of the Pecka Visitor Center in the village Pecka near Mrkonjic Grad.
“We did one amazing thing! After a two-year long process, solar power plant was constructd by citizens of BiH, the region and the world. We recognized and communicated the energy we had and the desire to build a solar power plant and become independent, to show that alternative energy sources are available to us and that with a little will and effort we can enable Visitor Center to be self-sustainable and independent, and environmentally friendly and not to anyone’s detriment”, said Boro Marić from Pecka Visitor Center.
Initiative “Solar Pecka” was initiated by Pecka Visitor Center from Mrkonjić Grad and Center for Environment from Banja Luka in May 2019. As part of this initiative, an online crowfunding campaign was launched to raise funds needed to install a system of solar panels and collectors on the roof of the Pecka Visitor Center. “Solar Pecka” campaign lasted 26 days and was the first step of a joint initiative.
“We rejoiced together in every success, every paper we received, every step we took. We don’t know what else awaits us, but we were not afraid of failure and we will not be afraid of success, because this is just one of the great things we will do together with people with whom we recognize and understand each other “, said Marić.
Nestor Ruiz, coordinator of the Solar Pecka initiative at the Center for Environment, points out that Solar Pecka is a pioneering project that shows that sustainable civic energy projects are possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina despite many current financial, technical and legislative challenges. “BiH has enough sun, and we have proven that its citizens have the will. The first step has been made, it is time to gather in larger numbers and continue to work to demand legislative changes so that civil energy is available to everyone, in Pecka and throughout BiH, “said Ruiz.
Jelena Ivanić, coordinator of the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign at the Center for Environment, emphasizes that Solar Pecka is an excellent example of a solution for harmful energy sources such as small hydropower plants that the Center is fighting against: “Hydropower plants cause enormous damage to our nature, economy and local communities that are directly connected to these rivers. For years, we have been advocating for improved energy efficiency and greater use of other renewable energy sources that are less harmful, such as wind and solar. The power plant in Pecka is an excellent and concrete example of the solutions that are possible and environmentally friendly”.
More details about the “Solar Pecka” initiative can be read at the link: https://czzs.org/solarna-pecka-campaign-started/?lang=en. The crowdfunding campaign is available at the link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/solarna-pecka – /
