In a significant move towards sustainable energy solutions, Montenegro is implementing the RECME2 project, which aims to establish Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) throughout the nation. This initiative encompasses four pilot projects located in Bar, Podgorica, and Nikšić, integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery energy storage (BESS) to empower local citizens and businesses to generate and share clean energy. The overarching goal of RECME2 is to lower energy costs and carbon emissions while providing a scalable model for similar initiatives across the Western Balkans.
The pilot project in Bar involves a developer constructing 320 residential units that will utilize RECME2 to enhance energy stability and reduce operational expenses. By incorporating rooftop PV systems and BESS, residents will have the ability to self-consume and share energy effectively. Meanwhile, in Podgorica, one pilot focuses on a cluster of professional studios and a kindergarten, where shared renewable energy will help decrease electricity costs for families while supporting educational initiatives. Another Podgorica pilot targets a commercial building serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), facilitating predictable energy expenses and enabling electric vehicle (EV) charging through rooftop solar installations.
In the northern city of Nikšić, households are collaborating to optimize both ground and rooftop spaces for energy sharing, collectively working to lower their electricity bills while enhancing community resilience. This collaborative approach not only fosters local engagement but also promotes a sense of solidarity among participants.
The RECME2 initiative is structured in two distinct phases. The first phase focuses on community activation and legal setup, with a budget allocation of €145,000 dedicated to establishing governance frameworks and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The second phase encompasses feasibility studies and light infrastructure deployment, budgeted at €48,000 for technical assessments leading to broader implementation. Overall, the project has a total budget of €193,000.
Governance within RECME2 is organized through a General Assembly, a Supervisory Board, and designated coordinators to ensure transparency in decision-making processes. Each pilot site is expected to achieve an installed capacity of 10 kW of PV systems, with plans to implement 12 to 15 sites annually. The BESS component is designed with a capacity of 20 kWh to facilitate load shifting, aiming for a self-consumption target of 50%. Total capital expenditures per site range from €27,000 to €32,000, potentially increasing to €50,000 if EV charging infrastructure is included. Environmental benefits are anticipated with estimated CO₂ offsets between 2.5 and 3.6 tons annually per pilot.
RECME2 sets forth several ambitious targets: establishing two RECs during the project’s duration, onboarding 50 members by its conclusion with aspirations of reaching 500 members within five years, and engaging with 20 authorities to promote replication in other municipalities. Beyond technical achievements, the project emphasizes citizen involvement and stakeholder collaboration as essential components for success.
This initiative exemplifies how local actions can drive Montenegro’s transition towards renewable energy solutions within the broader context of the Western Balkans. By merging renewable generation with community engagement strategies, RECME2 not only addresses immediate economic concerns but also enhances social cohesion among participants. The project serves as a potential blueprint for future renewable energy initiatives across the region.
