Montenegrin electricity distribution system operator CEDIS signed a tripartite partnership agreement with France’s development agency Agence Française de Développement and EDF International Networks.
The agreement was signed in Tivat in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. Montenegro’s coastal town hosted the EU-Western Balkans Summit.
The agreement establishes strategic technical cooperation aimed at modernizing Montenegro’s electricity distribution network and strengthening capacity for the energy transition, CEDIS said.
The company is also receiving technical assistance for the preparation of future investments in the form of a EUR 290,000 grant. The grant agreement was concluded under the FEXTE technical assistance program of Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
AFD is currently considering the financial support for investments in CEDIS’s substations
The partnership will provide CEDIS access to EDF Group’s expertise in the distribution system management, with a focus on network digitalisation, grid planning, investment optimisation, the integration of renewables, and alignment with EU energy standards.
The implementation of the agreement involves the joint work of expert teams, including an assessment of the existing state of the distribution network, the development of recommendations for the digital transformation of the system, and support in preparing long-term investment plans.
Montenegrin DSO said AFD is also considering the possibility of providing financial support for the reconstruction of six 35 kV substations and the modernisation of 10/0.4 kV substations.
AFD already collaborates with other Montenegrin companies and is also present in the region – Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia. The French power utility EDF also develops projects with companies in Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia.
Ivanović: CEDIS will further strengthen professional and technical capacities
According to CEDIS CEO Vladimir Ivanović, the cooperation with one of Europe’s leading energy groups will enable his firm to further strengthen professional and technical capacities, improve grid development planning, and create the conditions for greater integration of renewables.
Bertrand Walckenaer, Deputy Director General of AFD, stressed that the agreement is a concrete example of what AFD can offer to countries aspiring to EU membership.
Montenegro’s energy transition requires both vision and technical expertise, which this collaboration will provide, Sébastien Ruiz, CEO of EDF International (EDF IN), pointed out.
Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović asserted that the partnership with AFD and EDF confirms Montenegro is on the path of modernisation, European standards and long-term energy security.
