Renewable Energy
Referring to Montenegro’s NREAP a voluntary share of 36 % of energy from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption should be reached in 2020.
The latest energy statistical data provided by EUROSTAT revealed that Montenegro has reached a 40% share of energy from renewable sources in 2017. This achievement is mostly due to the revision of biomass data and reduction of energy consumption of the largest electricity customer, the aluminium plant KAP.
Hydropower
The water surface of Montenegro is divided into the Adriatic and the Black Sea basin. In addition to the two existing hydropower plants on the river Zeta, HPP Piva and Perucica, there is further potential for the construction of conventional small hydropower plants on the rivers Moraca, Komarnica, Lim, Tara, and Ćehotina. Tara River is under natural conservation protection.
By the end of 2018, Montenegro reached only 754 MW of renewable energy capacities compared with the projections of 892 MW in the NREAP. Since 2009, only 72 MW in wind and 24 MW in small hydropower plants were newly added.
Wind energy
Another renewable energy source in Montenegro is wind energy. Several studies were made in order to determine the wind power potential of Montenegro.
For example the CETMA study “Renewable Energy Resource Assessment Republic of Montenegro” published a set of maps of the Montenegrin territory indicating wind speed [m/s] and the average power density [W/m²] at a height of 50m above ground level (a.g.l.). According to the study the average wind velocity ranges between 5-7 m/s and 7-8 m/s depending on the area. Power density shows values in the range of 100-300 W/m² with the potential to increase up to 400 W/m².
Solar energy
Another big potential referring to renewable energy sources is solar energy in Montenegro. The total number of sunshine hours in Montenegro is about 2,000 per year, almost everywhere in the country. According to the study by the Austrian Development Bank the solar potential of Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is approximately 1,600 kWh/m².
The consumption of solar energy in Montenegro is mainly for domestic hot water preparation. A switch of households from electric boilers to solar energy could take place only with higher electricity prices.
Biomass
Biomass is a crucial source of energy in Montenegro’s energy supply. In 2018, was 22,7% of the total primary energy supply.
Last update: 07 2023