Three state-owned energy companies in Montenegro are preparing to construct a data center to meet their needs.
The facility will be built on the premises of the former steel mill Željezara Nikšić, according to local news website Bankar.
The joint energy sector project is being planned by state power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), transmission system operator (TSO) Crnogorski elektroprenosni sistem (CGES), and distribution system operator (DSO) Crnogorski elektrodistributivni sistem (CEDIS).
The facility will serve for data housing, processing, and storage, supporting the reliable operation of IT systems across the three companies that manage Montenegro’s critical energy infrastructure, EPCG told the media outlet and added that the center could also potentially offer commercial services to external clients.
A tender is currently underway for a feasibility study and preliminary technical design, which EPCG highlighted as a crucial first step toward assessing the technical, economic, and market aspects of the project.
The construction will be jointly financed by the three state companies
EPCG noted that the study and technical design will define the facility’s capacity, implementation phases, and required investment. A final investment decision will only be made once the study is completed and a technical design is selected.
The construction will be jointly financed by the three state companies. The former steelworks in Nikšić possesses the necessary infrastructure and other resources required for such a demanding facility.
Today, the Željezara site is used for renewable energy projects and metals processing. Beyond the photovoltaic panels installed on building roofs and surrounding grounds, the location is an energy hub featuring high-voltage substations and infrastructure that enables large-scale energy generation assets to connect to the grid.
EPCG acquired Željezara Nikšić from Turkish Tosçelik
In late 2022, EPCG acquired Željezara Nikšić from Turkey-based Tosçelik and established a subsidiary, EPCG Željezara Nikšić, focused on solar power production.
The Željezara solar plant is one of ten projects for which EPCG plans to secure loans. Additionally, the company plans to install a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the site, with an estimated investment of EUR 48 million. The Željezara BESS is planned for a capacity of 60 MW and 240 MWh.
Slightly less than a year ago, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that Montenegro plans to position itself as a country of green data centers.
