3. Hydropower in Montenegro: A National Economic Asset

There are few countries in the world where substatial rivers, deep gorges and high development head exist in such a concentrated pattern. Only a small proportion has so far been developed. Proper use of the hydropower resource would allow annual generation of renewable energy of 7,000 GWh resulted from projected solution for natural river courses (whereof 30% is utilized) and up to 10,000 GWh in solutions with integration of certain water current transfer of water. The regional energy needs and the potential markets offered by the wider European interconnected power network offer great opportunities to tap some very favourable large hydroelectric sites. This paper describes the hydropower potential of Montenegro and outlines possible plans for its development. The financing needs would be great and require international support and participation. With the Republic of Montenegro now an economic unit attention should be attracted to its large scale renewable energy potential.