Montenegro has launched its first renewable energy auction, offering 250 megawatts (MW) of solar generation capacity, in a move supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as part of the country’s transition to a competitive, market-driven energy sector.
The Ministry of Energy and Mining opened the tender this week, with bid submission deadlines expected around early November 2025. Details of the tender documents have been made available via the Ministry’s official website.
The auction is being held under a new regulatory framework introduced in August 2024 through the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Law. The legislation aligns with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and sets the foundation for a three-year roadmap of future auctions. These reforms are part of Montenegro’s EU Reform and Growth Agenda and its obligations under the Energy Community Treaty.
The EBRD’s support, under its Renewable Energy Market Accelerator (REMA) programme, included technical assistance and financial backing from Austria, Italy, and the European Union. REMA has helped 17 countries design competitive auctions, with more than 8,500 MW of capacity awarded across nine markets to date.
The introduction of competitive bidding mechanisms is expected to enhance transparency, attract private investment, and reduce the cost of integrating renewable energy into the national grid. The 250 MW solar auction marks a significant step in diversifying Montenegro’s energy mix and improving energy security.
Montenegro has positioned the auction as part of its broader strategy to support economic development and sustainability, as the country moves to become a regional leader in the green energy transition. The EBRD has so far invested €950 million across 99 projects in Montenegro, maintaining a strong presence in the country’s infrastructure and energy sectors.