Between October 2024 and September 2025, Montenegro's electricity consumption leaned significantly towards low-carbon sources, with around 42% of its electricity coming from clean energy such as hydropower, wind, and solar. Hydropower, in particular, provided almost a third of the electricity, highlighting its extensive use within the country. Wind energy contributed over 7%, and solar energy provided close to 3% of the electricity, reinforcing Montenegro's commitment to clean energy solutions. Remarkably, fossil fuels held a less dominant position, accounting for just under 20% of electricity production, all of which was derived from coal. Thus, the country has also depended heavily on net imports, which accounted for close to 38% of its electricity supply, highlighting an opportunity for Montenegro to enhance its domestic low-carbon energy production and reduce reliance on external sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?
Despite these efforts, Montenegro's electricity consumption as of 2025 is not experiencing growth. Per capita consumption stands at about 6698 kWh, which represents a decline from the historic record of 7612 kWh per person set in 2006. This downward trend is also evident in the low-carbon electricity generation sector, with current generation at 2837 kWh per person, showing a significant decrease from the previous peak of 4272 kWh per person achieved in 2010. The decline in these figures indicates a substantial gap from previous highs, signaling a need for renewed focus on boosting electricity generation, particularly from low-carbon sources, to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To elevate its low-carbon electricity output, Montenegro can learn from successful countries that have effectively harnessed solar and wind energy, as well as nuclear power. Lebanon and Nevada, for instance, have been impressive in leveraging solar energy, generating more than 30% of their electricity from this source. Furthermore, the robust nuclear energy infrastructure seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes over 65% of electricity generation, offers a powerful example Montenegro could emulate. Integrating a balanced mix of increased solar installations and exploring nuclear energy options could significantly boost Montenegro's low-carbon electricity production, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable energy in the region.
History
Historically, Montenegro has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily driven by hydropower. In the early 2000s, there were notable increases, such as a significant rise in 2009 and 2010. This trend, however, was interrupted by marked declines in subsequent years, with the most severe decrease occurring in 2011. More recently, hydropower production has shown improvements, notably in 2021 and 2023, but these have been inconsistent, as evidenced by the declines in the following years. The introduction of wind energy in 2019 marked a positive step towards diversification, though overall progress in expanding low-carbon electricity generation remains critical. A strategic focus on sustainable and stable growth in this sector is crucial for Montenegro's future energy security and environmental goals.
