Currently, Montenegro's electricity consumption reflects a significant reliance on low-carbon sources. Between May 2025 and April 2026, more than half of Montenegro's electricity came from hydropower, which accounted for 52.2% of the total consumption. In addition to hydropower, wind and solar contributed 8.39% and 2.68%, respectively, making the country's low-carbon share a substantial 63.28%. Net imports, which are often considered a flexible factor depending on the country's needs and agreements, accounted for almost 20% of Montenegro's electricity consumption. Fossil fuel usage was primarily driven by coal and made up about 16.77% of total consumption. The current distribution reflects a relatively positive scenario for low-carbon electricity generation, although there is clear room for further improvement, particularly in minimizing coal dependency.

Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?

When examining the electricity consumption in Montenegro, there is an evident stagnation rather than growth. In 2026, the total electricity consumption was 5364 kWh per person, falling short of the country's previous record in 2006, which was 7612 kWh per person. This represents a decline of about 2248 kWh per person. Moreover, Montenegro's low-carbon electricity generation also saw a decline from its earlier peak. While the current low-carbon electricity generation stands at 3394 kWh per person, it is notably lower than the record of 4351 kWh per person set in 2010, marking a reduction of 957 kWh per person. These declines are concerning as they suggest limited progress in enhancing overall and low-carbon electricity consumption, crucial both for economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro can draw lessons from successful regions that have notably high percentages of clean energy generation. Countries like Slovakia, with 65% nuclear, and Denmark, relying on wind for 60% of their energy, exemplify the potential of these technologies. Solar energy presents another promising avenue; countries and states such as North Macedonia (30% solar) and California (31% solar) showcase the feasibility of expanding solar capacities. By adopting and investing in nuclear and solar technologies, Montenegro can bolster its clean energy share, achieving a more sustainable and resilient electricity infrastructure in the fight against climate change and to meet future electricity demands.

History

Reflecting on Montenegro's history of low-carbon electricity generation, there have been several fluctuations, especially related to hydropower, which has been the cornerstone of Montenegro's low-carbon electricity profile. During the late 2000s and early 2010s, changes fluctuated significantly, with noteworthy increases like the 1 TWh gain in 2013, while certain years saw declines such as the 1.5 TWh drop in 2011. Although there have been some recent improvements, such as the 1 TWh increase in 2023, the trend points to a need for more consistent and robust growth strategies. The introduction of wind energy in 2019 marked an important diversification of Montenegro's clean energy sources, indicating a positive direction that should be further explored and expanded.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.