The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has provided a EUR 15 million loan to Crnogorski elektroprenosni sistem for the upgrade of the 220 kV transmission line connecting Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.
The project will improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity transmission in Montenegro and strengthen cross-border connectivity in the Western Balkans, contributing to greater regional integration of power systems.
The agreement was signed Ivan Asanović, CGES Executive Director, Mark Bowman, Vice President of the EBRD, and Novica Vuković, Minister of Finance of Montenegro.
Ivan Asanović said on the occasion: “This investment is far more than the modernization of a single transmission line – it is an investment in a secure, stable, and better interconnected energy future for the region. By upgrading the 220 kV interconnection between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, we are strengthening the reliability of electricity transmission and further reinforcing the energy integration of the Western Balkans. With the modernization of this transmission line, its transmission capacity will increase from 300 MW to approximately 600 MW.
For us, this is an important step towards a more resilient network capable of meeting the growing demands of the system and supporting increasingly intensive regional cooperation.
We would like to thank the EBRD for recognizing the importance of this investment and supporting a project that enhances the stability and the interconnection of power systems across the region," concluded Asanović.
Mark Bowman said: “Strengthening the electricity transmission network is essential for energy security and regional integration in the Western Balkans. This project will modernize key infrastructure in Montenegro and contribute to a more reliable and resilient electricity system, in line with the EBRD’s commitment to developing sustainable infrastructure.”
The Minister of Finance, Novica Vuković, said: “Through the guarantee provided by the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro, the state reaffirms its commitment its commitment to supporting strategic investments that strengthen national energy infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The project includes the modernization of the electricity transmission corridor ‘Trebinje – Perućica – Podgorica – Vau i Dejes’, including the replacement of existing conductors with modern HTLS conductors. This will improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity transmission in Montenegro and further strengthen cross-border energy connectivity in the Western Balkans.”
Following the signing of the financing agreement, the EBRD delegation, led by the Vice President for Policy and Partnerships, Mark Bowman, paid a working visit to Crnogorski elektroprenosni sistem, confirming the importance of the partnership between this international financial institution and Montenegro’s transmission system operator.
The EBRD delegation was welcomed at the CGES headquarters by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Aleksandar Mijušković, and his closest associates. The meeting focused on the results achieved through the cooperation so far and explored new opportunities for joint projects aimed at modernizing electricity transmission infrastructure and strengthening regional energy connectivity.
The visit is particularly important as it marks the first time that representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have held discussions at the highest level with the management of Crnogorski elektroprenosni sistem.
