Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Sahmanovic, Montenegro has implemented the most intensive series of energy policy reforms in the past decade, which should create development opportunities for citizens, businesses and future generations.

Speaking at a meeting of the Just Transition Council held on Thursday, Sahmanovic said that the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) had significantly advanced the country's energy and climate policy framework.

“Furthermore, the new Energy Law clearly defines energy activities and regulates the requirements and conditions for carrying out those activities, with the aim of ensuring high-quality and secure energy supply to end consumers. It also promotes electricity generation from renewable energy sources and high-efficiency cogeneration, regulates the organization and management of electricity and gas markets, and addresses other issues of importance to the energy sector,” Sahmanovic said.

He added that energy policy is also an instrument of social security.

“Under the new regulation, vulnerable consumers receive full subsidies for electricity consumption of up to 600 kilowatt-hours per month, protecting the most vulnerable citizens while preserving system stability and ensuring full compliance with European standards,” Sahmanovic said.

He also pointed to significant achievements already made in the energy sector.

“With the commissioning of the first phase of the 57 MW Gvozd wind farm, Montenegro has made a historic step forward in its energy transition and, after several decades, gained its first new state-owned renewable energy generation facility. At the same time, the next phase of development has already been contracted, adding a further 20 MW of capacity,” Sahmanovic said.

He added that planned targets have been exceeded in the field of energy efficiency.

Instead of the planned 60,000 square metres, more than 120,000 square metres of public buildings have been renovated, including healthcare facilities, generating significant energy savings.