Montenegrin grid prepared for 1.5 GW more from renewables

The construction of a 400 kV transmission line from Lastva to Pljevlja is the most critical energy project in Montenegro and beyond, and without it there is no green transition, CEO of Montenegrin transmission system operator (TSO) CGES Ivan Asanović said. He also stressed that without significant investments the grid could still integrate renewable energy power plants with a total capacity of 1.5 GW.

With the remaining 400 kV transmission line, the 400 kV grid ring in Montenegro will be completed, which will significantly increase the safety and reliability of the transmission system, Ivan Asanović said.

The investment will contribute to the further development of the economy, especially tourism, both in the north and the south, and enable the integration of renewable sources of electricity in the municipalities it passes through.

It will all, in his words, lead to a reduction of losses and the further development of the electricity market.

The transmission line should be completed by the end of the year

Asanović stressed that the construction of the power link has not been completed as there is about 10% of the work remaining. He expects the finalization by the end of the year.

The transmission line and the submarine cable to Italy are part of the Trans-Balkan Corridor project, which should enable a better connection between Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the neighboring countries.

The first phase of the project has been implemented. The submarine cable to Italy, substation Lastva and 400 kV transmission lines to Čevo have been in operation for three and a half years. The investment has increased the revenue of the company through auctions of cross-border capacities on all borders including Italy.

Last year the revenue was higher than EUR 40 million, he added.

Revenue from electricity transmission exceeded EUR 40 million

He said transmission network development and the jump in market prices of electricity have initiated great interest from investors in renewable power plants.

In the last few months, CGES has received dozens of letters from investors for grid connection. Some of them received urban planning and technical conditions and submitted a proper request for connection.

According to latest analysis, the Montenegrin grid could integrate renewable power plants of as much as 1.5 GW in overall capacity, while further integration will require significant upgrades in the cross-border segment.