Repurposing post-mining areas in the energy transition of Republika Srpska: Challenges and opportunities

The subject of this paper is the energy transition process in Republika Srpska, with a primary focus on the strategic repurposing of post-mining areas into solar power plants. The research examines the transformation of degraded technogenic land into potential energy capacities, contributing to decarbonization and the revaluation of previously degraded areas. The aim of the study is to assess the technical feasibility, environmental justification, and socio-economic implications of installing solar systems on sites where mining activities have ceased. The theoretical framework integrates concepts such as EROEI and green innovation, while a quantification model applied to the Stanari case study illustrates long-term potential. Empirical research conducted on a sample of 180 respondents indicates a high level of social acceptance (83%) for the solarization of open-cast mines. The results suggest that repurposing post-mining land may contribute to mitigating economic stagnation and improving energy security through the modernization of technogenic landscapes.