A proposed wind farm with a capacity of 92.4 MW near Njegovuđa in the Municipality of Žabljak aims to enhance Montenegro’s renewable energy landscape, particularly in a region known for its environmental sensitivity and technical challenges. This initiative marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing investment cycle in renewable energy.
Wind Europe MNE, based in Podgorica, has submitted an application to Montenegro’s Environmental Protection Agency to determine if a full environmental impact assessment is necessary for this project. This request is an early regulatory measure rather than a construction approval but outlines the technical specifications for what would be one of Montenegro’s largest wind farms.
The Njegovuđa wind farm is planned to feature 14 wind turbines, each with an installed capacity of 6.6 MW. The project will include an internal electrical collection system, access roads, turbine assembly platforms, and a substation, facilitating electricity delivery to Montenegro’s transmission system via a planned 110 kV substation and overhead transmission line.
Turbines are to be strategically positioned along mountain ridges to optimize wind capture while minimizing aerodynamic losses between units. Roads measuring approximately four to six meters wide will be constructed or upgraded to facilitate the transportation of turbine components and heavy equipment.
Each turbine site will require a working platform for assembly and maintenance. The operation of the plant will be managed through a SCADA system, enabling remote monitoring and control of the turbines, as well as real-time data on generation and weather conditions.
The operational lifespan of the wind farm is projected at 25–30 years, after which the site may be repowered with newer technology or decommissioned. Repowering could lead to increased energy generation from fewer turbines but would necessitate further technical and environmental evaluations.
The Njegovuđa project is entering a Montenegrin wind market that is evolving from isolated projects towards a more diversified generation portfolio. As of 2026, Montenegro had around 118 MW of commercial wind capacity, with existing projects including Krnovo at about 72 MW and Možura at 46 MW. The 54.6 MW Gvozd wind farm, which began trial operations in May, brings the total operating capacity to approximately 172.6 MW.
The upcoming 21 MW second phase of Gvozd will increase that complex’s capacity to 75.6 MW, with combined annual production expected to surpass 210 GWh. The Njegovuđa project would exceed both the initial phases of Gvozd and Možura, nearing the scale of the expanded Gvozd complex.
If completed, Njegovuđa could elevate Montenegro’s total wind capacity to around 265 MW, increasing to approximately 286 MW once both developments are fully operational. This expansion represents a notable transition for a power system historically reliant on hydropower and the Pljevlja coal-fired power plant.
No formal energy-yield estimate has been provided yet; however, under optimal conditions, a high-quality mountain wind site could yield between 283–340 GWh annually. Factors affecting this output include long-term wind measurements, turbine performance, and grid limitations.
An estimated annual output of about 310 GWh from Njegovuđa could represent approximately 9% of Montenegro’s current annual electricity consumption. The generated electricity may not necessarily be consumed locally or immediately; its value will depend on various factors including generation profiles and market prices.
The project’s potential is further underscored by its ability to complement existing hydropower resources during peak demand periods, thereby optimizing water reservoir usage during favorable wind conditions.
This potential also positions Montenegro as a key player in regional electricity transit and trading, given its connections to Italy via the 600 MW Montenegro–Italy submarine interconnector. Enhanced wind output could meet domestic needs or support exports when market conditions favor it.
The viability of accessing these opportunities hinges on the project’s connection to the 110 kV grid, which poses significant technical uncertainties due to its substantial impact on a small transmission network in a sparsely populated area.
The Montenegrin transmission operator CGES will need to evaluate various technical aspects such as thermal capacity and voltage stability related to this connection. These assessments will determine if additional reinforcements are necessary within the network.
The project must also comply with emerging European standards for inverter-based resources. Each turbine will utilize power-electronic controls, while the overall plant controller will manage essential operational parameters at the connection point.
The turbine supplier remains unidentified; however, their selection will significantly influence various aspects such as energy yield and transport logistics. The proposed size of 6.6 MW units aligns with industry trends towards larger onshore turbines for improved efficiency.
Larger turbines come with increased transport challenges due to their size; road conditions must accommodate heavy loads during delivery and installation. Construction activities may also have environmental implications extending beyond immediate work areas.
The operational environment at Žabljak presents additional complexities compared to lower-altitude sites due to factors like snow and ice that can affect turbine performance. Specifications must account for cold-weather resilience while energy yield assessments should factor in realistic operational losses.
The mountainous terrain may impose restrictions on construction scheduling due to weather conditions that can hinder major operations. Delays in component delivery can further extend timelines significantly.
This project is likely to incur higher-than-average development costs for regional wind projects, with an estimated capital expenditure range of €1.4 million–€1.7 million per MW, leading to an initial investment requirement between €129 million–€157 million.
Total costs may rise depending on various factors including grid infrastructure needs and turbine supplier terms. Annual operating expenses are projected between €3.2 million–€5 million, incorporating maintenance and monitoring costs among others.
If generating approximately 300–320 GWh annually, gross revenue could reach between €21 million–€29 million, contingent upon market dynamics and pricing structures.
A hybrid model incorporating battery storage could mitigate some risks associated with price fluctuations while enhancing revenue potential by shifting output into higher-value periods.
The project’s financial structure anticipates up to 60–70% senior debt, targeting unlevered project returns around 7–10%. Factors influencing these returns include construction costs and market pricing stability.
A delay in grid connection could adversely impact financial returns due to added interest expenses during construction phases and deferred revenue generation opportunities.
The environmental review process is vital given Njegovuđa’s proximity to Durmitor National Park, necessitating comprehensive assessments addressing ecological impacts alongside community engagement strategies.
This initiative requires securing multiple regulatory approvals including land rights and spatial planning status before progressing from conceptual plans into actionable investment stages.
The successful execution of Njegovuđa would mark an important evolution in Montenegro’s renewable energy sector, demonstrating capabilities in managing larger-scale projects within challenging terrains while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
