Montenegro is advancing its renewable energy initiatives, currently sourcing approximately 45 percent of its energy from renewable resources. The country aims to increase this share to 50 percent by 2030. To facilitate this goal while ensuring environmental and community considerations are prioritized, the Smart Siting Guide: Montenegro has been introduced, providing a comprehensive framework for identifying suitable locations for utility-scale solar and wind projects.
This guide is part of the Montenegro Energy Growth and Acceleration (MEGA) project, which was initiated in October 2024 by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in collaboration with local NGO Eco-Team and supported by various government ministries, the Montenegrin Investment Agency, international financial institutions, and the Energy Community Secretariat. The guide addresses the complex challenge of enhancing renewable energy deployment while safeguarding biodiversity, cultural heritage, and local communities.
TNC’s smart siting methodology employs extensive spatial analysis, stakeholder engagement, and expert contributions to create detailed assessments of renewable energy potential. The process identifies areas where development would lead to significant conflicts, such as protected natural zones, high-value agricultural land, culturally sensitive sites, and densely populated areas. It emphasizes locations that possess strong wind or solar resources while being close to grid infrastructure and presenting lower ecological and social risks.
The MEGA project has generated an extensive spatial database across Montenegro, identifying regions with high potential for solar and wind energy development. Findings indicate that there are sufficient low-conflict sites to support approximately 15,630 MW of solar capacity across about 156 square kilometers and around 650 MW of wind capacity over roughly 65 square kilometers. This potential represents a combined capability about 17 times greater than the country’s current installed power capacity.
A significant aspect of the mapping effort has focused on “brownfield” sites—previously developed or underutilized lands such as former industrial sites, quarries, and landfills. These locations present various advantages for renewable energy projects by avoiding the conversion of natural or agricultural lands, often having existing infrastructure in place, and typically posing lower environmental and social risks. The study estimates that brownfield areas with medium to high development potential could accommodate around 346 MW of solar capacity.
Engagement with national and local stakeholders was a key component of the smart siting approach. Experts from various fields were involved in consultations held in municipalities including Cetinje, Nikšić, and Pljevlja to gather public input on spatial planning. This collaborative process enriched the datasets used in the study while validating conflict assessments and development priorities.
Despite the identified potential for renewable energy expansion, Montenegro faces challenges such as financing gaps, lengthy permitting processes, and limited grid capacity that may hinder project advancement. The smart siting framework aims to address these issues by directing investments toward areas with fewer permitting obstacles, lower community opposition, and reduced ecological impacts while clarifying grid planning needs.
The MEGA study suggests that Montenegro could fulfill its national renewable energy targets for 2030 by developing only one-fifth of the identified low-conflict sites into operational wind and solar projects. This finding indicates that not only are the country’s goals achievable but there is also considerable opportunity for further acceleration if spatial planning continues to inform decision-making.
The Smart Siting Guide offers recommendations for policymakers, planners, and investors. It encourages the Montenegrin government to integrate low-conflict mapping into national legislation and spatial planning frameworks while designating Renewable Acceleration Areas in strategic documents. Local authorities are urged to incorporate these maps into their planning processes, with grid operators advised to utilize this data for infrastructure development.
From an investment perspective, the guide invites the Montenegrin Investment Agency, commercial banks, and international donors to consider the study’s findings when assessing project proposals. By focusing on sustainable locations aligned with climate objectives and ecological preservation, developers can minimize risks associated with project delays and public opposition while promoting a renewable energy transition that meets both economic and environmental goals.
The Smart Siting Guide thus serves as a pivotal tool at the intersection of energy policy, conservation science, and community involvement. It positions Montenegro not only to achieve its renewable energy commitments but also to set a precedent for responsible energy transformation throughout Southeast Europe.
