Electricity in Montenegro in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from October 2023 to September 2024, Montenegro's electricity consumption has been characterized by a diverse energy mix. Low-carbon sources accounted for around 45% of the electricity, with hydropower being the major contributor at approximately 37%. Wind energy contributed almost 8%, rounding up the low-carbon share. Fossil fuels, specifically coal, supplied roughly 32% of the electricity, which is a significant portion. Additionally, Montenegro relied on net imports for about 23% of its electricity needs, indicating a substantial dependency on external sources.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro can draw lessons from countries with successful energy policies. For instance, nuclear power plays a crucial role in many European countries; France, Slovakia, and Ukraine generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear energy. Slovenia, which is geographically and economically similar to Montenegro, benefits significantly from generating a third of its electricity from nuclear power. Wind energy also presents a viable option; Denmark and Uruguay generate more than 60% and over a third of their electricity respectively from wind. Integrating these strategies, focusing on expanding nuclear and wind capacities, can help Montenegro reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and imports while amplifying its clean energy production.

History

Analyzing the history of low-carbon electricity in Montenegro reveals various fluctuations, especially in hydropower generation. In the late 2000s, from 2006 to 2010, the nation saw a mix of gains and losses with notable setbacks in 2007 (-0.5 TWh) and 2011 (-1.5 TWh). The period from 2012 to 2018 exhibited both declines and significant increases, such as the growth of 1 TWh in 2013 and a remarkable 1.1 TWh in 2018. However, 2019 marked the beginning of wind energy contributions with an increase of 0.2 TWh. The last few years leading up to 2024 show continuing variability, underscoring the importance of stabilizing and diversifying low-carbon energy sources to ensure steady growth and resilience in Montenegro’s electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources