Last night, the 9th Consultation of the Montenegrin Committee of the International Council for Large Electric Grids (CIGRE CG) was officially opened in Becici, and will run until 26 September. The conference brings together experts in the field of electricity, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experience, and highlighting contemporary challenges in the operation of electricity systems.
Numerous guests at the opening of the Counselling Service were welcomed by President of the Board of Directors of the Montenegrin Transmission System Operator, Aleksandar Mijušković, and on that occasion said:
It is a great honour and pleasure for me to welcome you to the opening of the 9th CIGRE Conference. This gathering is proof that our profession is strong, that it is developing, and that it is ready to lead in a time of great change.
This year, the focus of our work will be on the contemporary challenges in the electricity system: grid security and stability, digitalisation, growing consumer demands, grid flexibility and, of course, the integration of renewable energy sources.
We will talk about the future, and the future is the green transition, which brings with it numerous challenges. Without it, there is no sustainable development, but without CGES, there is no green transition either, because we are building the backbone of the system, the network that connects sources and consumers.
This year is of exceptional importance for CGES – the year in which we are completing one of our most important investments, the construction of the 400 kV 'Lastva–Pljevlja' transmission line, and we are also beginning the installation of a modern variable shunt reactor.
Dear colleagues, I am sure that the days ahead will be filled with inspiring discussions, ideas that will drive progress, and collaborations that will last long after this conference has concluded.
I wish the panellists a substantive discussion, the authors of the papers a successful presentation of their research, and all participants a take-home of new knowledge that will be an impetus for future projects.Last night, the 9th Consultation of the Montenegrin Committee of the International Council for Large Electric Grids (CG CO CIGRE) was officially opened in Becici, and will run until 26 September. The conference brings together experts in the field of electricity, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experience, and highlighting contemporary challenges in the operation of electricity systems.
The numerous guests at the opening of the Consultation were welcomed by the President of the Board of Directors of the Montenegrin Electricity Transmission System, Aleksandar Mijušković, who said on that occasion:
It is a great honour and pleasure for me to welcome you to the opening of the 9th CIGRE Conference. This gathering is proof that our profession is strong, that it is developing, and that it is ready to lead in a time of great change.
This year, the focus of our work will be on the contemporary challenges in the electricity system: grid security and stability, digitalisation, growing consumer demands, grid flexibility and, of course, the integration of renewable energy sources.
We will talk about the future, and the future is the green transition, which brings with it numerous challenges. Without it, there is no sustainable development, but without CGES, there is no green transition either, because we are building the backbone of the system, the network that connects sources and consumers.
This year is of exceptional importance for CGES – the year in which we are completing one of our most important investments, the construction of the 400 kV 'Lastva–Pljevlja' transmission line, and we are also beginning the installation of a modern variable shunt reactor.
Dear colleagues, I am sure that the days ahead will be filled with inspiring discussions, ideas that will drive progress, and collaborations that will last long after this conference has concluded.
I wish the panellists a substantive discussion, the authors of the papers a successful presentation of their research, and all participants a take-home of new knowledge that will be an impetus for future projects.
President of the CIGRE CG Committee, Predrag Mijajlović Speaking on energy policy, he stated that it must be based on a clear vision of a development concept, which entails the construction of new energy infrastructure capacity and a smart energy grid, whilst recognising environmental protection and energy efficiency as business opportunities.
"The goal is clear, and there are fewer and fewer paths. And who should choose if not us, the energy professionals," emphasised Mijajlović.
He warned that three global changes have the potential to critically affect the future of energy security: geopolitical changes, the global energy transition and climate change.
Treating energy as a social category must be excluded from the content of our discussions, because the evolution of the energy system requires new strategies in shaping interdependencies and strengthening the sector's resilience. The energy transition has the potential to bring new opportunities and possibilities for comprehensive development, but it can end in failure if it is carried out haphazardly and without a plan," Mijajlović said.
Mijajlović stressed that "the time has come to expand the existing scope of activities and to responsibly approach the systemic creation of conditions for the intensive development of the energy sector in Montenegro".
Minister of Energy and Mining of Montenegro, Admir Šahmanović, He emphasised that Montenegro, like the rest of Europe, faces the challenge of making its energy future sustainable, secure and competitive.
According to him, the energy sector has the power to drive natural recovery and become the foundation for the green transition, digitalisation and strengthening society's resilience.
The Ministry is working at an accelerated pace to create the conditions for the faster development and stability of the sector. Key laws have been adopted – the Energy Law and the Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources. The national energy and climate plan has been finalised, the first auctions for renewable sources have been announced, and the Law on Cross-Border Exchange of Electricity and Natural Gas will soon be submitted to Parliament," said Šahmanović.
He stressed that Montenegro's ambitions do not end there.
"We are working on the continuation of the project to realise the second submarine interconnection with Italy, which will further strengthen Montenegro's international position and establish it as the energy hub of the region. "We are also working in parallel on connecting markets with EU countries and the region, because only by being connected can we be secure, competitive and ready for the challenges ahead," said Šahmanović.
Speaking about the prospects, Šahmanović emphasised that the energy sector is not viewed solely through the prism of challenges, but also through the significant opportunities for development.
"Smart grids, energy storage, digitalisation and advanced technologies are creating opportunities for new jobs, strengthening the domestic economy and Montenegro's competitiveness at a regional and European level," said Šahmanović.
President of the Board of Directors of Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, Milutin Đukanović He emphasised that the company has a clear energy policy and that its priority is to remain a stable electricity producer.
He cited the use of existing hydroelectric infrastructure for the integration of solar power plants as key development directions, emphasising their compatibility.
"That combination, hydro and solar, is exceptional from both a meteorological and a technological perspective. But, all of this would not be enough if we were not planning to introduce battery systems. I regret that we do not have them yet, as we are aware of the challenges we have faced, especially regarding the environmental reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant," said Đukanović.
He said that, according to EPCG's plans, large battery storage facilities are expected to be operational from January 2026, or by August of the same year at the latest.
During the event, awards and plaques were presented to Professor Milovan Radulović, Professor Milutin Ostojić and Ranko Radulović for their contribution to the work and promotion of CIGRE over the past period.
Professor Milutin OstojićHe emphasised that this recognition does not belong to him alone, but to everyone who has built and strengthened CIGRE since its foundation in 2008.
The 'Nikola Tesla' Award, as he pointed out, carries special significance because it is named after one of the greatest scientists in history.
Nikola Tesla is the man whose works and discoveries form the foundation of modern electrical engineering. His rotating field is the most significant discovery, on which I based the subjects I taught for 42 years at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Today I can say that there is no better motor than the asynchronous one, nor a better generator than the synchronous one. For me, the synchronous machine is a true beauty that produces the required quality of electrical energy," emphasised Ostojić.
Ranko Radulović, who received the lifetime achievement award, said it represented not only a personal recognition for him, but also a confirmation of the collaborative work and support he has had throughout his decades-long professional career.
To receive such an award means a great deal, not just because of the award itself, but because it comes from the community, from people I greatly respect and admire, and with whom I have spent my entire working life. Looking back on a career of work, challenges, ups and downs, I feel gratitude above all else. Gratitude towards colleagues who inspired me, passed on their knowledge and experience, and offered support even when I doubted myself," said Radulović.
He added that the award was not just a recognition for him, but also for his colleagues – for everyone who shared the same path and showed that effort, dedication and knowledge are ultimately valued and recognised.
President of the international organisation CIGRE from Paris, Konstantin O. Papailiou Opening the 9th CO CG CIGRE Consultation, he emphasised that energy today is more than a profession.
"We used to design power lines, work on projects and travel. It was a nice job. But today, with the necessity of the energy transition, it's not just a job anymore, it's a mission. We have a mission to save the planet," said Papailiou.
He addressed the young participants of the conference in particular.
"We are living in the best period our profession has ever had. If we fail to decarbonise the planet by 2050, we will face a serious problem. There is no plan B, ladies and gentlemen. There is no plan B, because there is no planet B," said Papailiou.
For this year's Consultation, 62 scientific papers by authors from Montenegro and the region have been accepted, which will be presented through the work of 15 study committees. In addition to the work of the committees, a technical exhibition of energy equipment from renowned companies will be organised, along with panel discussions on the topics 'Modern Challenges in the Operation of the Electric Power System: Ensuring Stability, Flexibility and Resilience' and 'The Transformation of Electric Power Systems through the Application of Power Electronics'.
The General Sponsors of the IXth Conference are HITACHI ENERGY.
