Montenegrin state-owned utility EPCG has completed a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating the potential construction of gas-fired power plants at several sites across the country. The study considers generation capacities ranging from 50 MW up to 400 MW, with candidate locations identified in Bar, Podgorica, Pljevlja, and Niksic.
Prepared by SS&A Power Consultancy, the analysis concludes that all assessed options are technically feasible and financially viable. Depending on plant size and gas supply arrangements, investment requirements are estimated between €233 million and €362 million.
EPCG noted that the next phase of decision-making will largely depend on securing reliable, long-term gas supplies and policy choices to be coordinated with the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Energy. These plans are tied to a recently signed memorandum of cooperation with Japanese energy group JERA, which includes preparing a dedicated study on the development of an LNG terminal and a gas-fired power plant in Montenegro.
The groundwork for the study began in December 2021, when EPCG’s board approved a new investment initiative focused on gas-based generation. The mandate included developing technical solutions and a preliminary feasibility assessment for multiple configurations, such as:
- A hybrid gas turbine plant of at least 50 MW near the Port of Bar, combined with renewable sources.
- A combined-cycle gas plant of at least 150 MW near the KAP industrial complex in Podgorica.
- A gas-fired facility of up to 200 MW in Pljevlja.
In addition, the study evaluated plant sizes of 50, 75, 150, 200, and 400 MW across all proposed locations. EPCG confirmed that suitable land is available at each site, including enough space for 400 MW installations, even under air-cooling configurations, which require the largest footprint.
The technical concepts rely on the latest high-efficiency gas turbines, and EPCG emphasized that access to natural gas is the critical prerequisite for any future development. The study assessed multiple supply pathways, including:
- Potential offshore gas resources.
- Imports via Serbia.
- LNG delivery through the Port of Bar.
- Connection to the planned Adriatic–Ionian (IAP) gas pipeline.
Different supply scenarios were analyzed for each location, and all modeled configurations proved economically sound under the reference scenario. EPCG stressed that any concrete steps toward introducing gas-fired generation in Montenegro will be taken in close coordination with government authorities and strategic partners.