Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, said that there are no plans to increase electricity prices, emphasizing that maintaining system sustainability while keeping prices affordable for citizens remains the government’s main goal.
He noted that the country lacks sufficient investment in the energy sector, but highlighted progress in the environmental reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP Pljevlja), which has now entered its final phase.
Šahmanović added that the energy ministry has already met the requirements for EU negotiation chapter 21 and partially fulfilled those for chapter 15, with several upcoming projects expected to attract around €500 million in investments.
Alongside the reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja, Montenegro has installed over 200 MW of new solar capacity this year, continues work on the Gvozd wind farm, and has signed an agreement to increase its production capacity. Plans for 2026 also include boosting generation at the Perućica hydropower plant.
The minister emphasized the need to focus national resources on decarbonization and sustainable energy development, warning that Montenegro faces challenges ahead as it will eventually have to decommission TPP Pljevlja, which currently provides up to 50–75% of the country’s base-load electricity.
“This is a vital and most stable energy source, and finding alternatives—for both energy production and employment—will not be easy,” Šahmanović said.
Due to the ongoing reconstruction of TPP Pljevlja, Montenegro has imported over €80 million worth of electricity this year at high prices.
Šahmanović also highlighted the importance of EPCG’s ‘Solar 3000+’ and ‘Solar 500+’ programs, which represent a significant step toward expanding the country’s photovoltaic sector. These initiatives will install 30 MW of solar capacity worth €33 million.
Responding to opposition criticism that the Solar Gradnja company was created for political hiring, Šahmanović said that all employees are considered a valuable resource for future construction projects, stressing that Montenegro is already lagging behind in project implementation.
