Montenegro has officially adopted a national program aimed at fostering the development of green hydrogen, complemented by a detailed action plan for the period from 2026 to 2028. This initiative, spearheaded by Zorana Sekulić, the acting Director of the Directorate for Oil and Gas within the Ministry of Energy and Mining, positions hydrogen as a pivotal element in the country’s energy transformation strategy for both the medium and long term.
The program was finalized in late 2025 following an initial draft and subsequent public consultations. It articulates Montenegro’s strategic vision for green hydrogen, identifying sectors where its implementation could yield significant economic and environmental advantages. Although large-scale deployment of hydrogen is not anticipated in the near term, the government emphasizes a phased approach that prioritizes establishing regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity before launching pilot projects as outlined in the action plan.
Officials involved in the program’s formulation have acknowledged that Montenegro currently lacks the industrial infrastructure necessary for widespread hydrogen commercialization. As a result, initial efforts will focus on sectors facing significant decarbonization challenges, such as road and maritime transport, as well as public transit, where alternatives to hydrogen are limited or less effective. Additionally, there is an emphasis on utilizing hydrogen for balancing energy systems, particularly as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more prevalent.
The action plan includes measures to create a regulatory framework, enhance institutional capacities, develop specialized educational programs, and bolster both regional and international collaborations. Montenegro aims to prepare for the integration of hydrogen technologies as they become commercially viable, rather than hastily advancing commercial deployment without adequate infrastructure and market conditions.
Academic institutions in Montenegro, including various faculties at the University of Montenegro, are already engaged in research related to hydrogen technologies such as storage solutions and alternative fuels. This academic groundwork supports the broader policy goal of cultivating a skilled workforce capable of driving hydrogen innovation within the country.
Future regional projects, notably the Adriatic-Ionian Pipeline (IAP) initiative, are recognized as crucial infrastructure developments that could facilitate both hydrogen and natural gas transport while integrating Montenegro into emerging European hydrogen networks. Securing strategic project designations and aligning with EU development plans are essential priorities for enhancing Montenegro’s role in the broader energy transition landscape.
The environmental assessment associated with the program suggests that developing green hydrogen aligns with Montenegro’s climate objectives, potentially leading to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality—provided that all construction and deployment activities adhere to rigorous environmental standards.
Although hydrogen technology is still in its infancy within Montenegro, this systematic approach by the government indicates a commitment to positioning itself competitively in what is anticipated to be a fundamental component of decarbonized energy systems across Europe and beyond.
