Montenegro aims to become an energy-independent country and a net exporter of electricity, with a greater share of renewable energy sources integrated into the system. The new Spatial Plan adopted by the government outlines goals to connect wind and solar power plants with hydropower plants to maintain energy system stability.
Starting in 2026, additional fees for CO2 emissions will be imposed on coal power production at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP Pljevlja), which is expected to reduce its annual operating hours. The plan considers shutting down TPP Pljevlja between 2035 and 2040 as part of decarbonization efforts.
TPP Pljevlja currently produces up to half of Montenegro’s electricity needs (around 1,500 GWh) and provides system stability through continuous production unaffected by weather conditions, unlike renewables. To replace this capacity, the plan includes two large new hydroelectric plants—Komarnica and Gornje Kruševo—five wind farms (Brajići, Gvozd, Korita, Bijela, Golija-Smriječno-Goransko Rudnice), and 24 solar power plants, along with smaller potential projects.
The plan stresses that energy development is fundamental for the country’s overall growth, supporting sectors like tourism, industry, and the economy. It also emphasizes that renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which are variable, must be balanced with reversible hydro plants to ensure grid stability.
An ecological reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja, expected to be completed by mid-November, aims to extend its operational life and enable district heating in Pljevlja. The first phase of heating infrastructure will follow soon after. Despite the planned reduction in operation due to higher emissions fees starting in 2026, TE Pljevlja will remain a key energy source until the country meets its strategic renewable energy goals.
Besides existing hydropower plants Piva and Perućica, the plan proposes building Komarnica and Gornje Kruševo plants. Komarnica, under consideration since 1988, faces environmental concerns due to potential impacts on the Komarnica canyon. However, it is classified as an environmentally acceptable project by a Western Balkans sustainable hydro strategy and identified by the European Commission as one of four priority projects. It is expected to produce about 670 GWh annually, roughly 40% of TE Pljevlja’s average output.
Gornje Kruševo is planned as a reversible hydropower plant to support grid stability and compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind production, with an estimated annual output of 235 GWh.
The plan also explores further energy potential in the Montenegrin part of Lake Bileća (subject to international agreement), continued research of Ćehotina and Morača rivers, small hydro projects on existing infrastructure, and upgrades to the Perućica plant and water management on the Zeta River.
By 2030, Montenegro aims to generate 700 GWh from new renewable sources and 2,000 GWh by 2040, adding to a current production of up to 4,000 GWh in good years. The plan also calls for infrastructure development to support electric vehicle charging, anticipating growing demand.
The large Brajići wind farm remains in the plan, though local protests and environmental concerns require further study. The site offers significant potential to improve electricity supply security and meet national climate targets but faces opposition over impacts on the environment and cultural heritage. Additional environmental and visual impact assessments are planned before proceeding. The wind farm’s estimated annual production is 250 GWh.
