The representatives of Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem (CGES), the German Development Bank (KfW), the Consortium Siemens-Elnos, and the Project Consultant - Tractabel-SEEC visited today the substation in Budva.
The 110/35 kV substation Budva is just one of 15 sites – substations across Montenegro that marked the completion of works which included replacement of the high voltage equipment in power substations, reconstruction of control and protection systems and the integration of several high voltage substations into SCADA system.
Ivan Asanović, Executive Director of CGES has said on that occasion: ‘Today we have gathered here in the substation "Markovići", one of our 15 facilities which have been reconstructed and modernised as a result of implementation of this large and complex project. Regarding the importance of this investment, first of all, I would like to point out that this investment is part of a larger project called ‘Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor (I) – Grid Section in Montenegro ", implemented with the support of the European Union which allocated EUR 25 million in grants for works and equipment, and these funds are distributed through the German Development Bank (KfW).
With the successful implementation of works in 15 substations all across Montenegro - which were very challenging from both technical and organisational aspect, we have ensured, first of all, an increase in the capacity of the transmission system, thus the security and quality of power supply for all our citizens and the industry. I would like to share with you one piece of information which shows us the importance of this investment. Namely, during the year 2022, we did not have a single interruption in the power supply to our consumers on the Montenegrin coastal region, which makes us both extremely satisfied and proud. The completion of works created the conditions for further development of the energy sector of Montenegro, as well as the country’s integration into the regional electricity market and enabled more efficient processes for grid connection of renewable energy sources.
Securing the adequate infrastructures in both the northern part of the country and the coastal area, was also one of the strategic priorities of Montenegro, considering its contribution to the successful development of tourism and economy and their positive impact on the living standards of citizens.
I believe that these investments which we have successfully carried out, as well as those ongoing, have a strong impact on the economic activity in our country and that as such significantly contribute to an increase in employment and GDP growth, positioning also our companies and the state of Montenegro as one of the key actors in the electric power undertakings in Southeast Europe.
We continue with the investments in the transmission grid, which is clearly confirmed by the fact that we will invest EUR 195 million in the next five years, remaining consistent with our strategic commitment to expand our business in a responsible, profitable and sustainable manner.
In the end, I would like to point out and at the same time to thank our great team of engineers who were managing the project and who brought it to an end with their knowledge, competence and expertise.’