New analysis reveals major renewable energy opportunities in Montenegro

As countries across Europe work to address the climate and biodiversity crises simultaneously, the question is no longer whether to accelerate renewable energy deployment, but how to do so in a way that protects nature, supports local communities, and remains compatible with other economic activities. A new nationwide study from Montenegro shows that these objectives can be pursued together—through careful planning, data-driven decision-making, and the early integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations.

In this context, The Nature Conservancy and Eco-team have jointly published a comprehensive national study demonstrating that Montenegro has more than 16 GW of readily deployable solar and wind potential, capable of supporting an accelerated and sustainable energy transition while safeguarding biodiversity and balanced land use. Gathered around the Advisory Committee, the study was supported by the line ministries of the Government of Montenegro, International Financial Institutions and the Energy Community Secretariat, through data sharing, oversight of the study development process, verification and endorsement of the results.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro, Matija Medojević, emphasised: “The study offers concrete, actionable insights for policy design and strategic planning, demonstrating how Montenegro can continue strengthening energy security while respecting environmental, social, and economic priorities.”

Developed within the Montenegro Energy Growth and Acceleration (MEGA) project, the analysis identifies low-conflict areas with high renewable energy potential across the country. The study finds that approximately 15,630 MW of solar capacity and 650 MW of wind capacity could be developed in areas characterised by minimal environmental and social risk. The identified capacity is 17 times greater than the current installed capacity of all power plants in Montenegro, including coal and hydro.

In practical terms, the study finds that Montenegro’s low-conflict solar and wind potential, totalling more than 16 GW, could generate up to 21 TWh of electricity annually, several times the country’s current production, while avoiding pressure on high-value natural and cultural landscapes and minimising impacts on key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, forestry, and local livelihoods.

“Montenegro’s experience shows that ambitious renewable energy targets, nature protection, and economic development do not have to come at the expense of one another,” said Kasandra-Zorica Dropuljić, Southeast Europe Renewable Energy Program Manager. “By applying smart siting early in the planning process, this approach helps reduce project risk, improve investment certainty, and ensure that renewable energy expansion complements—rather than displaces—biodiversity values and other land-based economic activities.”

Engagement of the local population in the process played a critical role in shaping the results. “The quality and credibility of this analysis were significantly strengthened by direct input from local communities,” said Milija Čabarkapa, Executive Director of the ECO team. “Through a Public participation GIS tool and a series of local workshops, citizens were able to share local knowledge, values, and priorities. This ensured that social considerations were properly reflected in the conflict mapping and contributed to outcomes that are both technically robust and socially grounded.”

The study also highlights the strategic role of brownfield sites, including former industrial areas, landfills, and quarries. The analysis identifies approximately 346 MW of solar capacity on low-conflict brownfield locations alone—enough to replace one-third of the current electricity generation of the Pljevlja coal-fired power plant—demonstrating how renewable energy development can support a just transition while making use of previously altered land and existing infrastructure.

The findings are closely aligned with European renewable energy and environmental frameworks, as well as the Energy Community Ministerial Council recommendation on establishing the framework for implementing Renewable Acceleration Areas under the revised EU Renewable Energy Directive. They strongly complement the partnership agreement between The Nature Conservancy and the Energy Community Secretariat, which supports coordinated action on sustainable and just renewable energy deployment across the region, by providing a strong analytical foundation for aligning renewable energy targets with spatial planning, grid development, and permitting reform.

Designed as a practical decision-support tool, the MEGA study illustrates how forward-looking planning can transform today’s intertwined climate and biodiversity challenges into an opportunity for balanced and resilient development.

This research builds on a broader body of work developed by The Nature Conservancy across Southeast Europe. Using the same smart siting methodology, similar analyses have already been conducted in Croatia (a pilot for Zadar County and a national study), North Macedonia, and Serbia, as well as at the municipal level in Nikšić, Montenegro.

Together, these studies demonstrate how strategic spatial planning can support renewable energy expansion while safeguarding nature, respecting local communities, and reducing conflict across different national and regional contexts.