President of the Bijelo Polje Municipality, Petar Smolović, emphasized that energy efficiency is crucial for all urban areas and their inhabitants, contributing not only to energy and cost savings but also to responsible ecological behavior which benefits the environment and future generations.

Smolović made these remarks today during the commencement of “Energy Efficiency Day: Promoting Sustainable Energy Solutions in Montenegro,” held at the Cultural Center and organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro.

The event focuses on increasing awareness of the long-term advantages of energy efficiency through tangible results and financial support.

“Various funding mechanisms and sources exist, and our aim is to consolidate them. Bijelo Polje recognizes the significance of energy efficiency for multiple reasons—primarily because we are located in the north where high electricity consumption is necessary, especially during winter. Additionally, the adverse climate conditions, such as fog, contribute to pollution,” stated Smolović. He further noted that the municipality has identified these pollutants and implemented short-term, medium-term, and long-term action plans.

He mentioned that, alongside efforts to reduce pollution, the Municipality of Bijelo Polje is transitioning to pellets and efficient energy sources. They have also granted certain permits for wind power plants and several solar mini-power plants, each up to five megawatts, aimed at enhancing the energy stability of Bijelo Polje, generating new job opportunities, and fostering investment potential.

Smolović highlighted the need for district heating in Bijelo Polje, for which there are potential investors available.

“We are negotiating with the Government regarding unresolved matters; particularly, Bijelo Polje should utilize sustainable energy sources for heating. We are keen to avoid coal, which is prohibited until 2030, and not exploit forests, which are a vital resource, but rather utilize forest waste,” Smolović clarified. He explained that discussions are currently underway between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Government to secure long-term concessions for forest waste, which would be used for winter heating and to generate eco-friendly energy during summer months.

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, mentioned that the EU has established one of the most ambitious energy and climate policies globally.

“We aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the objective of making Europe the first continent to achieve zero emissions by 2050. It is crucial to ensure that this transition is equitable and inclusive, leaving no one behind. Montenegro stands alongside the EU in this endeavor, adopting energy-efficient solutions and advancing the green agenda. The EU has allocated 30 million euros in grants to Montenegro through energy support agreements,” he stated.

The Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas and Head of the Ministry of Energy, Admir Šahmanović, highlighted the significance of institutional support and ongoing investments in this sector.

“Our vision is straightforward: to transform Montenegro into an energy-efficient, competitive, and environmentally responsible economy that utilizes resources efficiently, reduces energy expenses, creates jobs, and enhances citizens’ quality of life. We will continue to dedicate substantial efforts to this process, as only through collective action can we meet our ambitious goals and establish a stable, sustainable, and prosperous energy sector for future generations,” remarked Šahmanović.

The Director of the Eco-Fund, Draško Boljević, shared the achievements of the program being carried out in collaboration with UNDP, including statistics on registered households, types of energy efficiency measures implemented, and projected energy savings.

“Energy efficiency initiatives offer advantages to citizens by lowering energy costs, boost the economy by enhancing competitiveness and generating employment, and benefit the environment by lowering harmful gas emissions. The Eco-Fund serves not only as the implementation entity of this important project but also as a catalyst for various initiatives in energy efficiency, playing a critical role in sustainable development,” Boljević emphasized.

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, stressed that investing in energy efficiency translates to investing in a higher quality of life.

“Our objective is clear—ensuring every household has access to energy-efficient solutions. Through innovative support models and close collaboration with various institutions, we are striving to make energy efficiency available to all. This program exemplifies how the combined efforts of institutions, international partners, and local communities can have a direct and positive effect on citizens’ quality of life. UNDP remains a reliable partner for Montenegro in the green transition process, with our expertise, innovative methodologies, and support spanning from policymaking to concrete investments in sustainable development as key priorities,” stated Paniklova.

The EU has allocated eight million euros through the Program for Encouraging Energy Efficiency in Households, with additional financial support from the Eco-Fund and the Municipality of Pljevlja, thus creating a fund to assist citizens seeking to invest in energy efficiency and enhance their quality of life.

Through an expert discussion attended by representatives from the EU Delegation, UNDP, the Ministry of Energy, Eco-Fund, NLB Bank, and subsidy beneficiaries, current results were reviewed and subsequent steps towards improving energy efficiency in Montenegro were outlined.

Panelists engaged in dialogue regarding policies, financial instruments, and the involvement of local communities in the energy transition, while beneficiaries of subsidies shared their experiences, underscoring the benefits of energy efficiency measures—from lowering electricity and heating bills to significantly increasing home comfort.

UNDP is committed to continuing its support for institutions in enhancing capacities and promoting energy efficiency, which is essential for the EU integration process and achieving sustainable development goals.

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