Montenegro Plans 385 MW Solar Plant, 12x Current Capacity

A tiny Balkan nation is about to make a giant leap in renewable energy. Montenegro just secured a deal for a solar plant that will dwarf its entire current solar capacity by more than twelve times.

M Energy signed a grid connection agreement with Montenegro's transmission operator CGES in 2023 for a massive 385 MW solar facility. The project spans two sites in Ubli and Bogetići-Broćanac, with grid connection targeted for 2027.

To put this in perspective, Montenegro had only about 30 MW of solar capacity installed by the end of 2024. This single project will multiply that number by nearly thirteen, transforming the country's energy landscape almost overnight.

The timing couldn't be better. Montenegro's government launched its first solar auction in 2025, offering 250 MW of capacity as part of an ambitious goal to reach at least 50% renewable energy by 2030.

The new plant will connect to Montenegro's 400 kV transmission line, which links to a subsea cable running to Italy's grid. That connection, operational since 2019, can handle 600 MW of power transfer between the two countries.

The Ripple Effect

Montenegro's solar surge represents more than just one nation's energy transition. The country sits at a crucial crossroads between the Balkans and Western Europe, making its renewable energy buildout a connector for the broader regional grid.

The subsea cable to Italy means clean energy generated in Montenegro can flow directly into one of Europe's largest economies. As more projects come online, the small nation could become a renewable energy bridge between East and West.

Beyond this flagship project, an 87.5 MW solar plant is already contracted near Vraćenovići, with commissioning planned for 2028. The development pipeline shows Montenegro is serious about its clean energy transformation.

The country's aggressive pricing in its first solar auction reflects that commitment. At a ceiling price of €65 per megawatt hour, Montenegro is creating real economic incentives for developers while keeping costs reasonable for consumers.

This small nation is proving that size doesn't determine ambition when it comes to fighting climate change.