The Director of the Energy Community, Artur Lorkski, has advised Minister of Energy Sašu Mujović to reassess the Ministerial Council’s decision from December 15, 2022, which established Montenegro’s national energy and climate objectives for 2030.

According to this decision, Montenegro is committed to ensuring that renewable energy sources make up 50 percent of total final consumption, while the total greenhouse gas emissions are capped at 2,420 Kt CO2_eq (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent).

“The first criterion is attainable, but achieving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 2,420 kt CO2_eq from the current 3,307 kt CO2_eq is impossible by 2030. To achieve a 27 percent decrease, we would either need to significantly reduce the output from the Pljevlja thermal power plant or transform the transportation sector by replacing a high percentage of conventional vehicles with electric options (hybrid vehicles). Given the current socio-economic situation in the country, both alternatives are unfeasible,” stated the Ministry of Energy.

Lorkski further suggested that the decision be reviewed and a working group be established to draft a proposal for adoption, positively responding to the request Mujović submitted on August 21.

Mujović, along with experts involved in formulating the National Energy and Climate Plan, found that only Black Gora was considered under the LULUCF sector (Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry – mitigating CO2 emissions from noise operations) during the decision-making process and goal-setting. In essence, Montenegro is subject to much stricter regulations than other European nations.

“I believe we are undertaking a critical task for Montenegro by establishing realistic goals that can be achieved without compromising the national economy, especially focusing on Pljevlja. I appreciate Mr. Lorkski’s support and am optimistic that we are on the right path to rectify the unfair treatment of Montenegro, a reaction stemming from former Minister Ana Novaković-Đurović,” emphasized Mujović.