As of 2025, Montenegro's electricity consumption reflects a mixed reliance on various sources. Low-carbon energy makes up more than half of the country's electricity production, with hydropower as the leading source at about 43%. Wind and solar contribute smaller portions, around 9% and 2%, respectively, demonstrating a commitment to clean energy. However, the country still imports a significant amount of electricity, accounting for almost a third of the total consumption. Fossil energy, specifically coal, remains part of Montenegro's energy mix at approximately 16%, underscoring the ongoing reliance on non-clean resources.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, ENTSOE, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?
In terms of growth, Montenegro is experiencing a downward trend in electricity consumption. The current per capita consumption is 5,293 kWh, showing a significant reduction from the 2006 peak of 7,612 kWh. This amounts to a decline of over 2,300 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity usage has also decreased to 2,861 kWh per person from its 2010 peak of 4,351 kWh per person. This reduction of almost 1,500 kWh in clean energy usage per person is concerning, as it suggests a regression in efforts to maintain or grow the proportion of sustainable energy sources.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro can draw inspiration from successful regions around the globe. Emulating the solar progress of North Macedonia, where nearly half of the electricity comes from solar, could provide Montenegro significant low-carbon benefits. Additionally, adopting nuclear energy — as countries like Slovakia and France have with two-thirds of their electricity output from nuclear power — can offer a reliable, large-scale low-carbon source. By investing in solar and establishing or expanding nuclear facilities, Montenegro can significantly boost its clean energy profile and reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and electricity imports.
History
Throughout recent decades, Montenegro's journey in low-carbon electricity has seen significant fluctuations. The years following 2007 showed both gains and setbacks in hydroelectric power development, with occasional increases in generation followed by declines. Notably, in 2013, there was an increase of 1 TWh, followed by a drop of 0.8 TWh in 2014. Encouragingly, wind energy began contributing to the grid in 2019, adding 0.2 TWh. However, recent years from 2019 to 2025 have mostly seen declines or modest growth in hydropower, such as a decrease of 0.6 TWh in 2024. The stagnation and declines in low-carbon electricity generation present challenges that Montenegro must address to strengthen its clean energy sector.
