Montenegro in the Balkans is home to some of the world’s remaining free-flowing river systems. As such, the country has written a commitment to preserving its untouched natural beauty, into the constitution.

But over the last decade there has been a proliferation of small hydro-electric power stations which promised a green energy revolution as the country rapidly shifts from a legacy of coal toward cleaner energy.

But renewable energy doesn’t always mean green and many local communities have felt these small-scale plants are creating more harm than good.

Critics say that these plants damage ecosystems and fish stocks, harm the country’s tourism prospects, and are a magnet for corruption and kickbacks.

They also produce hardly any power, making up less than 5% of Montenegro’s renewable energy production.

Rageh Omar visited Montenegro to find out why harnessing the power of water to create clean energy has not been straightforward for this picturesque country with hopes of joining the EU.

On Assignment is ITV’s current affairs series presented by Rageh Omaar where ITV News journalists contribute in-depth reports from around the world on the stories behind the headlines.

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