Montenegro is progressing in its renewable energy transition, currently sourcing approximately 45 percent of its energy from renewable sources. The government has set an ambitious goal to increase this share to 50 percent by 2030. To facilitate this growth while considering environmental and community impacts, the newly introduced Smart Siting Guide: Montenegro aims to provide a comprehensive framework for identifying optimal locations for utility-scale solar and wind energy projects.
This guide is part of the Montenegro Energy Growth and Acceleration (MEGA) project, 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 challenge of accelerating renewable energy deployment while ensuring the protection of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and local communities.
The methodology employed by TNC integrates extensive spatial analysis with stakeholder engagement to create detailed maps that assess renewable energy potential. This approach effectively identifies areas where development could lead to significant conflicts, such as protected natural zones and densely populated regions, while prioritizing locations with favorable wind or solar resources and proximity to grid infrastructure.
The MEGA study has generated a unique spatial database for Montenegro, highlighting regions suitable for solar and wind development. The analysis indicates that the country has the capacity to support approximately 15,630 MW of solar power across around 156 square kilometers and about 650 MW of wind power across roughly 65 square kilometers. This combined potential represents approximately 17 times the current installed power capacity in Montenegro, illustrating significant opportunities for renewable energy expansion.
A significant focus of the mapping effort was on “brownfield” sites—previously developed or underutilized lands such as former industrial sites or landfills. These areas are advantageous for renewable projects as they minimize further environmental degradation and often come with existing infrastructure. The study estimates that these brownfield sites could potentially support around 346 MW of solar capacity, which could significantly offset production from Montenegro’s largest coal-fired power plant.
Engagement with national and local stakeholders was a key component of the smart siting process. Experts in various fields contributed to the project, and consultations were conducted in municipalities like Cetinje, Nikšić, and Pljevlja to gather public input. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the data but also validated conflict assessments and development priorities.
Despite the identified potential for renewable energy, Montenegro faces challenges such as financing gaps, prolonged permitting processes, and limited grid capacity that could impede project implementation. The Smart Siting Guide aims to address these issues by directing investments toward areas likely to experience fewer permitting challenges and community resistance while providing clarity for grid planning.
The findings suggest that Montenegro can achieve its 2030 renewable energy targets by developing just one-fifth of the identified low-conflict sites into operational projects. This indicates not only the feasibility of meeting national goals but also the potential for exceeding them if smart spatial planning continues to inform decision-making.
To ensure continued progress, the Smart Siting Guide provides recommendations for policymakers, planners, and investors. It encourages integrating low-conflict mapping into national legislation and spatial planning frameworks while designating Renewable Acceleration Areas in strategic documents. Local authorities are advised to incorporate these maps into their plans, while grid operators should utilize the data for infrastructure development.
From an investment standpoint, the guide urges stakeholders such as the Montenegrin Investment Agency and financial institutions to consider these findings when evaluating project proposals. By focusing on low-conflict sites, developers can mitigate risks associated with delays and public opposition while advancing a renewable energy agenda that aligns with both economic growth and ecological conservation.
The Smart Siting Guide thus serves as a vital tool at the intersection of energy policy and community engagement, positioning Montenegro to not only fulfill its renewable energy commitments but also set a precedent for responsible energy transformation throughout Southeast Europe.
