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Montenegro plans to adopt a regulatory framework for energy efficiency by the end of 2027. It will ban fossil fuel boilers and introduce mandatory energy consumption reductions and construction of zero-emission buildings in the public sector, as well as a conditional obligation to install solar panels and infrastructure for sustainable mobility within buildings.
The new regulatory framework is envisaged by the roadmap for the transposition of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1275 – EPBD) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/1791 – EED) in Montenegro, and for the adoption of a national building renovation plan. The document was adopted by the Government of Montenegro.
The adoption of the roadmap is a condition set by the European Commission for closing the negotiations under chapter 15 – energy, according to the roadmap.
The assumption is that the law on efficient use of energy will be amended no later than March 31, 2027, and the related bylaws and national building renovation plan will be adopted by the end of 2027, the authorities explained.
The document envisages the gradual introduction of zero-emission building standards, establishment of minimum energy efficiency standards, as well as measures to reduce energy poverty and decarbonize the building sector.
The National Building Renovation Plan must be approved by the European Commission
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive introduced a significant change in approach, replacing the previous strategy with a specific planning document – the national building renovation plan.
Unlike the previous strategic approach, the national building renovation plan establishes precisely defined, binding national targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, including:
- quantified annual renovation rates;
- reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
- reduction of energy poverty.
Prior to adoption, the plan is submitted to the European Commission for an evaluation. The implementation of the plan is monitored by the European Commission, to which annual reports are submitted.
Zero-emission buildings = ban on fossil fuel boilers
From January 1, 2028, all new buildings owned by the government, local authorities, and utilities must be designed and constructed as zero-emission buildings, according to the provisional draft amendments to the law on efficient use of energy, which are part of the roadmap.
All other new buildings from January 1, 2030, must have zero emissions.
The installation of fossil fuel heating systems in new buildings will be prohibited from January 1, 2030, the draft reads.
Zero-emission buildings must have very high energy performances and zero operational CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels (including emissions associated with embedded materials), use energy from renewable sources, and must not use fossil fuels on site.
The national building renovation plan should envisage the complete decarbonization of heating and cooling systems in existing buildings by 2040.
Mandatory annual consumption reduction of at least 1.9 percent
The provisional draft also envisages that state administration bodies, public institutions, local authorities and other public institutions predominantly publicly financed would be obliged to reduce total final energy consumption by at least 1.9% annually compared to the consumption in the reference year.
The government adopts a public sector energy efficiency program, which determines measures for reducing energy consumption, the renovation plan for public buildings, and financing.
According to the draft, the state ensures that at least 3% of the total floor area of heated and/or cooled buildings owned by public sector entities is renovated each year.
Solar panels and electric vehicles only “if feasible”
New buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation must be designed to allow the installation of rooftop solar systems.
The draft also defines deadlines for the installation of solar panels, but only when it is “technically, functionally, and economically feasible.” Deadlines vary depending on the type of building and range from July 1, 2028, to December 31, 2030.
Obligations regarding e-mobility infrastructure also apply when it is “technically and economically feasible.”
New buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation that have more than five parking spaces must be equipped with electromobility infrastructure.
For these buildings, at least one space equipped with an electric vehicle charger must be provided, together with pre-cabling for charging infrastructure for EVs for at least 50% of parking spaces.
For new and renovated residential buildings with more than three parking spaces, pre-cabling for e-chargers must be provided for all parking spaces.
Existing non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must have at least one electric vehicle charger installed, the roadmap reads.
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