The development of solar power plants in Montenegro is yielding tangible results, with nearly 80 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity currently in operation, stated Jovan Kasalica, Executive Director of FC Supply at Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG).
Speaking at the 40th International Energy Conference 2025, which opened today in Zlatibor, Kasalica mentioned the successful completion of the Solari 3000+ and 500+ projects, during which 30 MW of solar panels were installed.
The second project, Solari 5000+, which involves the installation of an additional 70 MW, is in an advanced stage. According to Kasalica, it is realistic to expect that by the end of the year, the total power of solar plants in Montenegro will exceed the planned 100 MW.
“A key highlight is the Solari 3000+ project, where EPCG did not incur additional costs—loans were transferred to funds and users, who now benefit from lower bills and improved energy efficiency,” Kasalica stated.
During the opening panel, he also highlighted significant progress Montenegro is making in energy transition.
The EPCG statement emphasized that the Conference, organized by the Energy Association, brought together around 600 prominent energy experts who will spend the next two days addressing critical issues facing the energy sector in the region.
“Montenegro relies on one key power generation plant—Thermal Power Plant (TPP) Pljevlja, which accounts for about 40% of the annual energy balance. If this capacity were excluded from the system, we would face serious challenges,” Kasalica warned.
He explained that Montenegro has seen over a 25% increase in electricity consumption over the past four years, attributing this rise to low electricity prices and the growing share of solar power plants.
“The majority of this growth is linked to the heating sector, especially in the central and northern parts of Montenegro. This has contributed significantly to decarbonization in the region, and we will document this with precise data,” Kasalica added.
He also noted that the construction of the 54 MW Gvozd I wind farm on the Krnov Plateau is ongoing, which is expected to enter the system by the end of the year.
“By the end of the year, we will certainly have this capacity connected, further expanding Montenegro’s portfolio of renewable energy sources,” Kasalica concluded.
The conference is set to feature four panels, three invited lectures, and six parallel sessions.
