Montenegro on track to add 4 GW of solar and wind, seeks EU support for green steel roll-out

Montenegro’s strategic goals in the energy transition, decarbonization and digitalization include building renewable energy capacities, introducing smart electricity meters, upgrading the transmission and distribution network, but also launching green steel production with the support of the European Union (EU).

These goals were presented to European Commission officials in Brussels during a recent visit of Montenegro’s delegation. Minister of Energy and Mining Saša Mujović said following the meeting that the Montenegrin government and the newly formed ministry face many challenges, but also development opportunities.

High on the agenda are the digitalization of the national power distribution system, the energy transition and decarbonization through the development of solar, hydropower and wind capacities, as well as strengthening the transmission and distribution network, said Mujović.

Mujović also said that Montenegro wants the EU’s support for launching the production of green steel.

Montenegro plans to build two hydropower plants – Ćehotina and Kruševo

The meeting in Brussels also covered the European Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, worth EUR 6 billion, of which EUR 413 million is intended for Montenegro. Besides Mujović, the Montenegrin delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Nik Đeljošaj and Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.

When it comes to renewable energy sources, Montenegro has issued permits for the construction of a total of 4 GW solar and wind power plants, which demonstrates significant investor interest, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mining, issued ahead of the visit to Brussels.

As for hydropower, one of the priorities of the new ministry will be to build a stable energy system using Montenegro’s significant hydropower potential, specifically through the implementation of projects such as the Ćehotina and Kruševo hydropower plants, according to the statement.

Montenegro still relies on thermal power plant Pljevlja, but is aware it must seek alternatives

The government is fully aware of the EU’s policy towards fossil fuel plants, and knows it is necessary to look for alternative solutions, reads the statement, noting that Montenegro’s energy system is small and that it mostly relies on coal-fired thermal power plant Pljevlja.

In the field of digitalization, introducing smart metering in the electricity distribution system will enable better integration of new energy sources, but also better power consumption management.

Strengthening the transmission and distribution network is also high on the agenda, because it will enable better interconnections with neighboring countries, improve competitiveness in the import and export of electricity, as well as enable Montenegro to charge transit fees, according to the statement.