Photo: EPCG
Montenegrin and French state-owned power utilities Elektroprivreda Crne Gore and EDF have signed a memorandum of understanding. It sets the framework for a long-term dialogue in energy transition and low-carbon technologies. The focus of their cooperation would be the construction of hydropower plants.
The memorandum of understanding aims to define and establish a framework for long-term dialogue in the field of energy transition and in areas of common interest in which EDF could participate as a strategic partner and contribute as hydropower project design developer, investor and operator as well as in other areas, according to EPCG.
EPCG and EDF intend to cooperate in developing new hydropower plants to ensure Montenegro’s energy security. They also aim to apply the best international standards in environmental protection and social issues, technologies, and practices.
The strategic partnership between the two companies was announced in March, with Kruševo and Ćehotina hydropower power plants as two potential projects.
Cooperation in solar, energy storage projects is also an option
The scope of cooperation could be extended to other areas mutually agreed upon between EPCG and EDF.
Such areas can comprise designing various large-scale photovoltaic plants, hydropower projects, and the development of large-scale energy storage solutions including batteries and green hydrogen, which can ensure grid flexibility and the integration of renewable energy sources, EPCG pointed out.
A few weeks ago EPCG started preparations to install battery energy storage systems. EDF also signed a memorandum of cooperation with Serbia.
President of EPCG’s Board of Directors Milutin Đukanović expressed the belief that the memorandum is a sign of trust of Western companies in the ideas of EPCG and the Ministry of Energy.
Mujović: Possible construction of a large hydropower plant
According to EPCG’s CEO Ivan Bulatović, the memorandum aims for the realization of joint projects that the two sides carefully planned and selected.
Marc Girard, EDF’s vice president for Europe and Central Asia, said that in June, during Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s visit to France, they discussed how EDF could contribute to the development of the energy sector in Montenegro.
In the meantime, expert teams from the two companies were working on establishing further cooperation, Girard said. EDF is looking for promising projects in Europe while the implementation already started in Africa, Asia, and Europe, he stressed.
Minister of Energy Saša Mujović said EDF’s knowhow combined with the strength of EPCG could result in the construction of a large hydropower plant.
Spajić: Many entities are interested in partnership with Montenegro
According to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, many entities are interested in partnership with Montenegro to use the country’s hydro potential.
The signing of the memorandum was attended by the Ambassador of France to Montenegro Anne-Marie Maskay, Ivan Mrvaljević, Executive Officer of the Directorate for Development and Engineering of EPCG, and representatives of EDF for Europe and Central Asia, Yann Guinard and Laurent Paganon, respectively.
Be the first one to comment on this article.