Montenegro's electricity consumption over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, reflects a diverse energy mix, though it is primarily composed of low-carbon sources. Low-carbon electricity, including hydropower and wind, accounted for more than half (over 50%) of the total electricity consumption. Hydropower alone contributed a large portion, accounting for slightly over 41%, while wind energy contributed approximately 9%. In contrast, about 29% of electricity came from fossil energy sources, specifically coal, while net imports filled the remaining demand, making up around 21% of the total. This pattern displays a significant reliance on clean, sustainable energy sources, though there remains a considerable dependency on coal, which poses environmental concerns.
Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?
Despite the predominance of low-carbon sources, Montenegro's overall electricity consumption reflects a declining trend. The most recent data from 2025 records electricity consumption at 5,290 kWh per person, which marks a decrease from its peak consumption of 7,605 kWh per person in 2006, signifying a decline of 2,314 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased, with the latest figure at 2,653 kWh per person, down from the previous high of 4,351 kWh per person in 2010. This decline of 1,698 kWh in low-carbon generation poses a concern, as it contrasts with the urgent need to increase electricity supply, particularly from clean sources, to meet growing demands and support sustainability.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro can take cues from the exemplary practices of other regions. As Slovakia and France demonstrate successful utilization of nuclear energy, with a respective 64% and 69% electricity generation from this source, Montenegro could consider investing in nuclear power to ensure a steady and high-capacity electricity supply. Meanwhile, countries like Denmark and Iowa harness a significant portion of electricity from wind, reporting 57% and 62%, respectively. By expanding wind infrastructure, especially in suitable regions, and exploring solar energy opportunities similar to Lebanon and Cyprus, which have effectively integrated solar power, Montenegro could significantly bolster its low-carbon electricity output to meet future demands sustainably.
History
The history of Montenegro's low-carbon electricity generation has been characterized by fluctuations, particularly in its hydropower sector. In the late 2000s, Montenegro saw a general increase in hydropower production, peaking with a 0.7 TWh increase in 2010. However, the following decade was marked by volatility. While 2013 and 2018 witnessed notable rises of 1 TWh and 1.1 TWh respectively, other years, like 2011 and several scattered years afterward, saw significant declines in generation. 2025, similar to 2011, reflected a downward trend with a decrease of 0.5 TWh. Adding wind energy to the mix in 2019 ushered in a slight increase, though the broader narrative emphasizes the need for stable growth in clean energy sectors to support sustainable electricity generation in Montenegro.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.