In 2025, Montenegro plans to produce 2,900 GWh of electricity, marking a 19% decrease from the planned output and approximately 13.5% less than the projected production for the current year, according to the recently approved Energy Balance for the next year. The total planned electricity production is 343 GWh lower than the projected needs for 2025, which represents a 10.57% shortfall.
The total losses of electricity for 2025 are projected at 448 GWh, a reduction of 2.82% compared to this year’s estimated losses.
The planned deficit (the gap between production and consumption) for 2025 is 343 GWh, a contrast to last year’s surplus of 863.7 GWh and this year’s expected surplus of 174.81 GWh.
The primary reason for reduced production and the resulting deficit is a multi-month halt in operations at the Pljevlja thermal power plant (TPP Pljevlja) due to ecological reconstruction. The power plant is expected to shut down for six months in 2025.
Energy Challenges Ahead
According to the Energy Balance, Montenegro and its state-owned energy company, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), face significant challenges in 2025 due to lower electricity production, particularly as a result of the six-month shutdown of TPP Pljevlja.
EPCG reported a loss of €19.2 million in the first nine months of this year, a 130.5% decrease compared to the same period last year. This marks a €82.17 million decline compared to the company’s profit of €62.97 million last year.
The planned gross electricity consumption for 2025 is 3,243 GWh, which is 4% higher than the planned consumption for this year and 2% higher than the projected consumption for 2024.
Electricity production in 2024 is expected to be around 17% lower than in 2023, primarily due to favorable hydro conditions in the previous year, which saw hydroelectric production exceeding expectations by 19.28%. Wind power generation is forecasted to be 6.65% below target, thermal plants will operate 2% below plan, and solar energy production will meet only 51.36% of the planned target due to challenges in project execution by EPCG.
Structure of production
In 2025, the energy structure is expected to shift due to the shutdown of TE Pljevlja. The breakdown of electricity generation is as follows:
- 65% from hydroelectric power plants
- 20% from thermal power plants
- 11% from wind power
- 4% from solar power
The export of coal in 2025 is expected to reach 320,000 tons, accounting for around 32% of the planned coal production.
Renewable energy sources (hydro, wind and solar) are expected to contribute 80% of the total electricity production in 2025, with thermal power plants accounting for 20% of production.
Hydroelectric production in 2025 is projected to be 1,873 GWh, approximately 10% higher than this year’s expected output.
Coal production and consumption
In 2025, the Pljevlja coal mine (RUP) plans to produce around 1 million tons of coal, a 36% reduction compared to this year’s estimates.
The coal produced in Montenegro is primarily used in TPP Pljevlja, with over 95% consumed by the plant. Due to the planned shutdown of TPP Pljevlja for ecological reconstruction, RUP will face challenges in fulfilling its production quotas.
For 2025, RUP plans to supply 665,000 tons of coal to TE Pljevlja, a 52% reduction compared to the projected needs for this year. The remaining 320,000 tons will be exported, a 73% increase over this year’s export forecast.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2025 Energy Balance highlights key energy challenges for Montenegro, including reduced electricity production due to the shutdown of TPP Pljevlja, a shift in the energy mix with a greater reliance on renewable sources, and a decrease in coal production. These changes reflect the ongoing energy transition efforts, but also point to the need for strategic measures to mitigate potential shortages and ensure energy security during the transitional period.
