In a significant move, over 40 non-governmental organizations, alongside more than 230 experts and concerned citizens from Bar and other regions, have formally requested the Government of Montenegro to cease all actions related to the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and gas-fired power plant at the Port of Bar. The coalition emphasizes the need for adherence to the existing Spatial Plan of Montenegro, prioritizing public safety and environmental health.
The collective statement raises various legal, institutional, economic, and environmental issues associated with the proposed energy projects. Critics assert that advancing the LNG terminal and power plant poses financial risks to the state, jeopardizes Montenegro’s climate commitments, and undermines decarbonization objectives outlined in both national and international policies. Additionally, concerns regarding safety due to seismic activity and explosion risks at the Bar port location have been highlighted, questioning whether the current maritime infrastructure is appropriate for such hazardous industrial use.
The opposition is rooted in feedback from public consultations regarding the Spatial Plan, during which community stakeholders consistently advocated for excluding LNG infrastructure. The Spatial Plan, as adopted by the Montenegrin parliament, explicitly removed provisions for such developments, a decision supported by local government entities and civil society. However, subsequent agreements between government officials and foreign energy companies have raised alarms about potential reversals of these planning decisions.
Critics also dispute assertions that these projects would provide strategic energy advantages, pointing out that Montenegro lacks a domestic gas production or distribution network. They warn that dependence on imported fossil fuels could lead to long-term energy vulnerability and increased public debt. The appeal highlights a global shift towards renewable energy sources, emphasizing that many developed nations are reconsidering investments in fossil gas infrastructure in favor of sustainable alternatives. The signatories caution that establishing LNG facilities could result in a “carbon lock-in,” complicating efforts to meet mid-century climate targets.
<pThe appeal concludes with a call for the government to officially abandon plans for the Bar LNG terminal and gas power plant, align future energy project planning with national climate objectives and legal standards, and enhance transparency and civic engagement in decisions impacting Montenegro's strategic energy framework.
