The Možura municipal waste landfill, strategically located between Bar and Ulcinj, has marked a significant milestone in Montenegro’s renewable energy landscape with the commencement of its landfill-gas power plant. Officially entering regular operation on February 25, 2026, following trial operations that began in December 2025, the facility is projected to generate approximately €600,000 in electricity sales revenue within its first year of full operation.
This initiative represents a modest yet impactful advancement in waste management and renewable energy generation. By converting landfill gas that would typically be flared into marketable electricity, the plant not only mitigates emissions but also enhances gas management at the landfill site. The total investment for this project is estimated at €1.68 million, primarily funded by Možura, with additional financial support from Montenegro’s Eco Fund and a grant from the Slovenian Centre for International Cooperation and Development (CMSR).
Operational data indicates that the plant is functioning as intended, maintaining a stable output at its maximum capacity of 1,000 kilowatts. Since its commissioning, the facility has produced over 4.1 GWh of electricity and logged more than 4,200 operating hours without significant technical issues.
The financial framework of the project is straightforward yet indicative of its potential. Možura’s operational plan for 2026 anticipates running the plant at 95% of available hours, translating to approximately 8,322 hours annually. Revenue projections are based on the Montenegrin exchange price for electricity in 2024, adjusted for trading fees, leading to an estimated annual revenue of €609,769.59.
This project transcends mere environmental compliance; it positions itself as a revenue-generating municipal asset. With projected annual revenues nearing €610,000 against a €1.68 million investment, it illustrates how landfill operators can derive value from environmental responsibilities when effective gas capture and market access are established.
The dynamics of Montenegro’s electricity market are also evolving as this project highlights. The electricity generated at Možura is subject to market prices rather than fixed rates, necessitating careful monitoring of price fluctuations influenced by solar energy production and regional demand patterns.
In terms of local energy security, while the output remains relatively small, it is sufficient to supply approximately 400 households per year after accounting for the plant’s own consumption. This development underscores the importance of localized energy generation within Montenegro’s broader energy framework dominated by larger hydro and thermal discussions.
Environmental considerations are equally critical; landfill gas represents both an untapped energy source and a potential hazard requiring management. Since 2016, Možura has operated a gas collection and flaring system continuously throughout the year. In 2025 alone, the system managed to flare 3.69 million normal cubic meters of landfill gas prior to its conversion into power generation.
Transitioning from flaring to electricity production allows Možura to transform an ongoing environmental obligation into a monetized asset. The sustainability of this operation is expected to last five to seven years post-landfill closure, depending on various factors including waste composition and operational conditions.
The financing model employed here offers a template for future municipal projects in Montenegro. The Eco Fund played a crucial role in financing preparatory work and environmental assessments while CMSR contributed €631,803 towards construction costs. This blended financing approach demonstrates how municipal projects can attract investment through strategic partnerships and well-prepared documentation.
Looking ahead, Montenegro must determine whether Možura serves as an isolated success or can be replicated across other initiatives facing similar waste management challenges. As EU accession pressures mount for improved environmental standards and sustainable practices, projects like this could contribute significantly to broader strategies involving waste separation, recycling, and energy recovery.
For banks and public-sector financiers, Možura’s project exemplifies a bankable model with measurable inputs and clear revenue streams supported by grant funding. This could pave the way for future investments in structured waste-to-energy solutions and other sustainable municipal initiatives if backed by credible technical documentation.
In summary, while modest in scale, the Možura landfill-gas power plant signals a shift in how Montenegro approaches its environmental infrastructure challenges. With appropriate design and market integration, such projects can yield both environmental benefits and financial returns—an essential consideration as Montenegro seeks to enhance its municipal infrastructure in line with EU standards.
