In line with the EU Reform Agenda, Montenegro will conduct a series of auctions by 2027 covering solar and wind energy projects.
The announcement was made at a conference organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mining, marking the launch of the first market premium auction. The event gathered stakeholders from business, experts, international institutions, and partner organizations to present the new legal and investment framework for renewable energy development.
The auction represents a key step toward implementing a new market-based incentive model for renewables, signaling Montenegro’s readiness for a green energy transition.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which supported the Ministry in developing the auction model, praised the progress. EBRD’s Montenegro office head, Remon Zakaria, encouraged stakeholders to provide feedback to better align the auction with market needs and congratulated Montenegro on its commitment to building a competitive and sustainable energy sector.
Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović emphasized the strategic nature of this move, highlighting the shift from state subsidies to market-based support following best European practices.
The new support system includes auctions for market premiums, guarantees of origin, citizen energy communities, and streamlined administrative procedures to facilitate investor market entry.
Montenegro’s targets for 2030 include 50% renewable energy in final consumption and 70% of electricity production from renewables—challenging but achievable goals with international and private sector support.
The first auction will focus on solar technologies, identified as having the highest potential and lowest current share in electricity production.
The Ministry thanked EBRD, the European Union, Austria’s Ministry of Finance, the Central European Initiative (CEI), and other partners for their assistance.
Montenegro sees its energy future as part of the European market, committed to decarbonization, digitalization, and alignment with EU mechanisms such as ETS and CBAM.
The conference, also attended by Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović and Director of the Montenegro Investment Agency Snežana Đurović, included online participants, reflecting broad public interest.
Minister Šahmanović concluded that the auction sends a clear message: Montenegro is ready to advance its green transition, viewing it as an economic opportunity and social imperative rather than merely a political goal.
The Ministry emphasized that the energy transition is a joint effort and long-term development opportunity to be successfully realized through public-private partnership.
