Coal-fired share rises as hydropower weakens
Montenegro’s Pljevlja supplied 65% of electricity generation for state utility EPCG during the summer period as drought reduced hydro output. Between June and August, the Pljevlja thermal power plant provided around 65% of the electricity generated by EPCG. Poor hydrology increased the country’s reliance on coal-fired production.
The plant’s generation was supported by lignite from a nearby mine. EPCG operates the mine as part of an integrated mining and generation complex, enabling continuous operation during the period.
Generation volume, operating level and market value
Across the three months, the plant generated approximately 442,000 MWh. It operated at an average load of around 200 MW, producing close to 4,800 MWh per day. EPCG placed a value on the output at more than €51 million.
EPCG said buying the same volume on Hungary’s HUPX exchange at prevailing prices would have cost about €57.4 million. The comparison was based on the company’s assessment of market pricing for equivalent electricity volumes.
Hydrological volatility and supply options over summer
The thermal plant’s role became more significant as dry conditions lowered output from Montenegro’s hydroelectric fleet. Hydropower is normally a dominant element in the country’s generation mix. As reservoir conditions deteriorated, Pljevlja continued to provide domestic baseload generation.
The summer performance also reflected a short-term security-of-supply dilemma for Montenegro. The country increases renewable capacity while remaining highly exposed to hydrological volatility that can affect generation availability.
