As of 2024, Montenegro's electricity consumption reveals a notable reliance on diverse energy sources, with more than half of its electricity derived from low-carbon options. Hydropower dominates the clean energy spectrum, contributing almost half of the total electricity. Meanwhile, wind energy accounts for just under a tenth, and solar energy brings in close to 2%. Approximately 40% of Montenegro's electricity still comes from coal, a fossil fuel. Net imports constitute a small share, under 3%, highlighting a degree of energy self-sufficiency but also suggesting room for growth in domestic clean energy production to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the negative impacts like climate change and air pollution associated with them.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Montenegro?
Electricity consumption in Montenegro has seen a marked decline compared to historical highs. As of the latest data, each person consumes about 5386 kWh of electricity annually, significantly less than the record 7612 kWh per person in 2006. This represents a considerable decrease in per-capita consumption of over 2200 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation per person has also fallen since its peak in 2010, with a decline of nearly 1300 kWh. Such reductions are concerning, especially considering the growing urgency to transition to cleaner energy and increase overall consumption to support advancements in technology and electrification across various sectors.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Montenegro could draw inspiration from regions where solar and nuclear energy play significant roles. Countries like France, where over two-thirds of electricity is from nuclear, and states like Nevada with one-third of their electricity from solar, set compelling examples. Enhancing nuclear capacity alongside solar investments could provide Montenegro a robust path to ensure energy security and sustainability. Additionally, adopting strategies from countries with substantial wind energy contributions, such as Denmark and Uruguay, could further diversify Montenegro's clean energy portfolio and safeguard against the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
History
Tracing the history of Montenegro's low-carbon electricity reveals a fluctuating landscape, with notable variances in hydropower over the years. During the early 2000s, hydroelectric generation experienced modest declines, followed by a series of ups and downs through the 2010s, with significant fluctuations in output. Since the late 2010s, expanded integration of wind energy into the mix has provided some relief, although hydro's instability persisted into the early 2020s. This inconsistency underscores the necessity for Montenegro to stabilize and augment its low-carbon capabilities, ideally through expanded investments in nuclear and solar power, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable energy future.
