In the period from August 2024 to July 2025, Montenegro has shown a diversified mix in its electricity consumption portfolio. The country relied on low-carbon energy sources for slightly less than half of its electricity needs, specifically 46%. Hydropower, accounting for nearly 38%, is the most substantial contributor among clean energy sources, underscoring the nation's reliance on its abundant water resources. Wind energy, although part of the clean energy category, contributes just over 8%, indicating room for expansion in this sector. Meanwhile, fossil fuels, all from coal, remain a significant part of Montenegro's electricity mix at about 31%. This reliance on coal, a non-renewable and polluting source, contrasts with the nation's low-carbon aspirations. The remaining electricity is sourced through net imports, which account for more than 23%, illustrating some dependency on external energy markets to meet the domestic demand.
Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?
The question of whether electricity consumption is growing in Montenegro presents a complex picture. Currently, the consumption per person stands at 5792 kWh, which is a notable drop from the record high of 7605 kWh per person set in 2006. This represents a decline of 1812 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has decreased to 2665 kWh per person from its peak of 4351 kWh per person in 2010, marking a reduction of 1686 kWh per person. These declines are disappointing since they point to a decrease in both overall electricity consumption and the share of low-carbon electricity, which is not in line with the global trend of increasing clean electricity generation to combat climate change and foster sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro could learn from other regions that are excelling in these areas. For instance, France and Slovakia, where a significant proportion of electricity comes from nuclear energy—69% and 64%, respectively—illustrate the potential for nuclear power. Integrating nuclear energy could dramatically increase Montenegro's clean electricity output and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, looking at Denmark, where 57% of electricity comes from wind, shows the potential of expanding wind power in Montenegro's energy mix. Furthermore, considering regions with substantial solar contributions, like Lebanon and Greece, could inspire Montenegro to harness its solar potential, enhancing its clean energy portfolio.
History
Historically, Montenegro's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, particularly in hydropower, which has seen various ups and downs over the years. In the early 2010s, there were moderate increases in hydropower generation, peaking in 2010 with a rise of 0.7 TWh. However, the mid-2010s saw notable declines, with significant drops such as the 1.5 TWh decrease in 2011. The latter part of the decade showed recovery with key increases in 2013 and 2018. Recently, hydropower saw another downturn from 2024 to 2025, decreasing by 0.5 TWh. While wind generation initiated in 2019 with an increase of 0.2 TWh shows promise, the overall volatility, particularly in hydropower, underscores the need to diversify Montenegro's clean energy portfolio to ensure a more stable supply of low-carbon electricity in the future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.