From July 2025 through June 2026, almost two-thirds of Montenegro’s electricity consumption came from low-carbon sources. Hydropower supplied more than half of consumption, at about 52%, while wind contributed roughly 9% and solar about 4%. Fossil electricity, entirely from coal in these data, accounted for around 21%, and net imports supplied the remaining 14%. The imports’ generation mix is not specified, so they cannot be classified as either clean or fossil electricity from these figures alone.

Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?

Montenegro’s latest figures remain well below its historical electricity consumption and clean-generation records, although this comparison alone does not establish the latest year-on-year trend. Electricity consumption in 2026 was about 5,550 kWh per person, compared with the 2006 record of roughly 7,610—around 2,070 kWh per person, or 27%, lower. Low-carbon electricity generation reached about 3,570 kWh per person, roughly 780 kWh, or 18%, below its 2010 peak of 4,350. These shortfalls are concerning: stronger clean electricity growth would help meet future demand from electrification and expanding digital infrastructure, including AI.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro should expand solar and wind alongside its substantial hydropower base and consider nuclear development, including regional cooperation. Nearby places provide useful examples: solar supplies about 20% of electricity generation in North Macedonia, 19% in Bulgaria and 18% in Greece, compared with Montenegro’s current solar contribution of about 4% of consumption. Greece also generates around 21% of its electricity from wind, demonstrating a relevant regional pathway for expansion. For nuclear, Slovenia generates about 40% of its electricity from this clean source, while Bulgaria generates about 38% and Slovakia roughly two-thirds. Montenegro can learn from these regions’ experience in developing projects, establishing institutions and integrating substantial clean generation, while adapting its plans to domestic electricity demand. Expanding solar, wind and nuclear would help reduce reliance on coal and its climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

History

Montenegro’s low-carbon electricity history has been dominated by substantial fluctuations in hydropower. After a decline of 0.5 TWh in 2007, generation increased each year from 2008 through 2010, adding a combined 1.5 TWh. The early 2010s then brought a sharp 1.5 TWh fall in 2011, followed by gains totaling 1.3 TWh in 2012–2013. From 2014 through 2019, repeated declines were interrupted by recoveries of 0.4 TWh in 2016 and 1.1 TWh in 2018. The 2020s continued this uneven pattern: gains of 0.6 TWh in 2021 and 0.8 TWh in 2023 were offset by declines in surrounding years, before a welcome 0.4 TWh recovery in 2026. This history underscores the importance of adding solar, wind and nuclear generation to support sustained growth in clean electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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