Electricity in Montenegro in 2024

In Montenegro, the 2024 electricity consumption profile reveals a diverse mix of energy sources with a significant reliance on low-carbon energy. More than 42% of electricity comes from clean sources, predominantly from hydropower, which alone accounts for almost 36%. Wind energy contributes about 7%, further bolstering Montenegro's dedication to low-carbon electricity. However, fossil fuels still play a notable role, with coal responsible for slightly more than 30% of electricity generation. Additionally, Montenegro relies on net imports for about 27% of its electricity needs, indicating an area where local, sustainable energy production could potentially be bolstered to reduce dependency on external sources and strengthen energy independence.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro could look to nuclear and wind power as promising avenues for expansion. Many European nations, such as France and Slovakia, generate a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear power—up to 60-68%. This indicates that investments in nuclear could dramatically increase Montenegro's clean energy output. For countries that share some similarities with Montenegro, like Slovenia and Hungary where nuclear provides around a third of electricity, nuclear energy presents itself as a robust long-term option. Meanwhile, Denmark's success with wind power, comprising 59% of its electricity, offers a model for enhancing wind energy generation. Also, countries like Ireland and Uruguay have achieved significant portions of their electricity from wind, showing that with proper infrastructure and investment, the potential is vast.

History

Historically, Montenegro's focus on hydropower has seen fluctuations in output, with several periods of growth and decline. In the mid-2000s, hydropower generation saw ups and downs; a notable drop occurred in 2011 with a decrease of 1.5 TWh. However, gains followed, such as in 2013 and 2018 with increases of 1 TWh and 1.1 TWh respectively, signifying resilience amidst the challenges. The introduction of wind energy in 2019 with an increase of 0.2 TWh marked Montenegro's diversification into other low-carbon sources. Hydropower continued to experience variations, with some years like 2017 and 2022 seeing declines, but the overall trend is towards maintaining and slightly increasing low-carbon electricity production, despite occasional setbacks. The data reflects a natural ebb and flow in generation but underscores a clear, sustained commitment to cleaner energy solutions.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources