The main goal of the S3 is to modernise and increase the competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy by concentrating available research, natural and economic resources on a limited number of priority areas. S3 should enable further intensive development of the subject priority areas, as well as the development of new sub-areas within them and development of new industries with strategic potential based on the synergistic interaction of the priority areas.

The achievement of the main goal of the S3, i.e. modernised and competitive Montenegro, relies on three key strategic directions that represent the general long-term vision of the country’s development. One of these three key strategic directions (Healthy-, Digitalised-, and Sustainable Montenegro) focuses in particular on sustainable development, energy efficiency and circular economy.

Energy and sustainable environment

Montenegro is generally recognized as a regional energy hub with a high utilization rate of renewable energy based on the principles of circular economy and sustainable environment.

Montenegro has great potential in renewable energy sources. Hydropower accounts for two-thirds of the country's total energy production, but only 17% of theoretical hydropower potential has been exploited so far. Wind energy has significant potential for regions with high wind speeds. Wind-generated power can reach up to 25% (925 GWh) of annual energy consumption nationally. Given that Montenegro has installed a wind farm at the highest altitude in Europe so far, it can be said that the country has positioned itself as a test environment for the application of these technologies in extreme conditions.

Solar energy is very promising too, as far as potential goes. In the beginning of 2018, the Government of Montenegro has established a Commission for Land Valorisation at the Možura locality, Ulcinj municipality, which prepared the tender documentation for the construction of the first solar power plants in Montenegro. The plant, with a total planned installed capacity of 200 megawatts, is expected to be completed within three years from the signing of the contract in early 2019.

Sustainable agriculture and the food value chain

When it comes to agriculture, Montenegro also emphasises sustainability. Almost a quarter of the country's total farms are engaged in family farms, making it crucial in the sustainable development and mitigation of rural depopulation, but also in preserving tradition. It is generally the basis for the entire food value chain (food industry and related sectors). Agriculture in Montenegro is characterized by the diversity of production by region, that is, the diversity of agro-ecological and climatic conditions that enables the diversity of cultivated plant and animal species.

sources:

https://www.s3.me/en/s3-montenegro

https://www.s3.me/taxonomy/term/4

https://www.s3.me/taxonomy/term/3

https://www.pv-magazine.com/press-releases/fortum-led-consortium-to-build-a-solar-power-plant-in-montenegro/

http://www.investinsee.com/news/montenegro/the-first-solar-power-plants-in-montenegro-2