Montenegro is strengthening its electricity transmission network for the sustainable energy transition

In order to strengthen the energy transition and align with European standards, the Montenegrin Transmission System Operator AD (CGES), The French Development Agency (AFD) and RTE International have signed a Technical Assistance Grant Agreement, worth €950,000, in the presence of Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro, Novica Vuković, Minister of Finance of Montenegro, and Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France to Montenegro. This agreement marks an ambitious collaboration towards the modernisation of Montenegro's electricity transmission infrastructure and the support of renewable energy integration.

The project aims to reconstruct and expand the 225/110 kV 'Perućica' substation and replace two obsolete autotransformers at the 'Pljevlja' substation, both are crucial for the stability of the national grid. The intention is to improve the capacity of the Montenegrin grid in order to integrate new renewable energy sources and reduce losses, contributing to Montenegro's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

"We are pleased to embark on this collaboration which will strengthenčto ensure the energy security of Montenegro and to prepare Držto respond to the requests of the European energy TRžišthat“, he said Ivan Asanović, Executive Director of CGES.

"The agreement with CGES highlights our shared commitment to supporting the energy transition and sustainable development in the Western Balkans, to help align their energy transition with the requirements of the European Union," he emphasised. Siril Belije (Cyrille Bellier), Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia at AFD.

In addition to strengthening Montenegro's electricity transmission infrastructure, the project will serve as a model of cooperation between CGES and RTE International, strengthening France's role in supportšin Montenegro's move towards a green economy.

On behalf of RTE International, the Contract was signed by Mr.Thierry Buhugiar.

The established partnership is an essential pillar of Montenegro's climate action plan, aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and a decisive step towards a more resilient and sustainable energy system in the Balkans.

France supports the integration of renewable energy

This €950,000 cooperation programme includes studies for the application of digital solutions and the optimisation of the management and supervision of the Montenegrin network. The French Development Agency, as part of its support for European integration and the green transition in the Balkans, is financing this strategic project with the technical expertise of RTE International.

RTE International – a subsidiary of the French electricity transmission operator, is one of Europe's leading consultants for electricity systems, providing tailored solutions to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity infrastructure worldwide.