Last night in Bečići, the IX Conference of the Montenegrin Committee of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CG KO CIGRE) was officially opened. The event, running until September 26, brings together energy experts from across the region to share knowledge and experience, with a focus on the current challenges in power system operation.
Aleksandar Mijušković, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crnogorski elektroprenosni sistem delivered the opening ceremony address, stating:
“It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to the opening of the IX CIGRE Conference. This gathering is proof that our profession is resilient, evolving, and ready to lead in this era of major transformation. This year again, our focus will be on modern challenges in the power system: grid security and stability, digitalization, growing consumer demands, network flexibility, and of course, the integration of renewable energy sources. We will talk about the future, and that future is the green transition, which brings with it a series of challenges. Sustainable development is impossible without it — and the green transition cannot happen without CGES. We are building the backbone of the system, the network that connects sources with consumers. This year is particularly significant for CGES — we are completing one of our most important projects: the construction of the 400 kV transmission line Lastva–Pljevlja, and starting the installation of a state-of-the-art variable shunt reactor. Dear colleagues, I am confident the days ahead will be filled with inspiring discussions, thought-provoking ideas, and collaboration that will last long after this conference concludes. I wish the panelists engaging discussions, the authors success in presenting their research, and all participants to gain valuable knowledge that will inspire future projects.”
Predrag Mijajlović, President of CG KO CIGRE, emphasized the importance of a clear developmental vision for energy policy — one that includes building new infrastructure and smart grids, while prioritizing environmental protection and energy efficiency as business opportunities.
“The goal is clear, but the options are narrowing. And who should lead the way, if not us — the energy professionals?” he said.
Mijajlović highlighted three global changes critically shaping the future of energy security: geopolitical shifts, the worldwide energy transition, and climate change.
“We must move away from treating energy as a social category. The evolution of the power system demands new strategies to redefine interdependence and strengthen sector resilience. The energy transition offers new opportunities for development — but if pursued haphazardly, without a plan, it could end in failure,” he said.
“It is high time we expanded current activities and responsibly created the conditions for the intensive development of Montenegro’s energy sector.”
Admir Šahmanović, Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, acknowledged that, like the rest of Europe, Montenegro faces the challenge of making its energy future sustainable, secure, and competitive.
“The energy sector has the power to drive natural renewal and serve as the foundation for the green transition, digitalization, and the resilience of our society,” he said.
He highlighted that the Ministry is working intensively to accelerate development and ensure sector stability. Key legislative steps have been taken:
· Energy Law and Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources were adopted.
· National Energy and Climate Plan was finalized.
· First auctions for renewable sources were launched.
· The Law on Cross-Border Exchanges in Electricity and Natural Gas will shortly be brought before Parliament.
Šahmanović also stressed that Montenegro’s ambitions do not stop there.
“We’re moving forward with the second submarine interconnection with Italy, which will further strengthen Montenegro’s international energy position and solidify its role as a regional energy hub. We’re also advancing market integration with the EU and neighbouring countries — because only together can we be secure, competitive, and ready for the challenges ahead.”
He added that the energy sector is not only about overcoming challenges, but also about unlocking development opportunities.
“Smart grids, energy storage, digitalization, and advanced technologies create new jobs, strengthen domestic industry, and boost Montenegro’s competitiveness at both regional and European levels.”
Milutin Đukanović, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, said the company had a clear energy strategy, emphasizing the priority of maintaining stable electricity generation.
He outlined a key development path: using existing hydropower infrastructure to integrate solar power plants, highlighting their compatibility.
“Hydro and solar are an excellent combination — meteorologically and technologically. But we also recognize the need for battery storage systems. I only wish we had them already, considering the challenges we faced, especially during the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant,” he said.
Đukanović noted that large-scale battery storage is expected to be operational by January 2026, or no later than August the same year.
At the event, awards and plaques were presented for outstanding contributions to the work and promotion of CIGRE to professor Milovan Radulović, professor Milutin Ostojić and Ranko Radulović.
Professor Milutin Ostojić emphasized that the award belongs not just to him, but to all those who have built and strengthened CIGRE since its founding in 2008.
The Nikola Tesla Award holds particular significance because it bears the name of one of the greatest scientists in history. Nikola Tesla is the man upon whose work and discoveries modern electrical engineering is built. Tesla’s rotating magnetic field is the foundation of everything I taught for over 42 years at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Today, I can say: there is no better motor than the asynchronous one, nor a better generator than the synchronous. For me, the synchronous machine is a true masterpiece — producing power of the highest quality,” said Ostojić.
Ranko Radulović, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, said the recognition went beyond a personal honor — it reflected the collective effort and support he received throughout his decades-long career.
“Receiving this kind of award means a lot — not just for the recognition itself, but because it comes from a community of people I deeply respect and value, and with whom I have spent my entire professional journey. Looking back over the years of work — through challenges, ups and downs — what I feel most is gratitude — to the colleagues who inspired me, shared their knowledge and experience, and stood by me, even when I doubted myself,” said Radulović.
He added that the award is not only a recognition of him but also of his colleagues — all those who shared the same path and demonstrated that effort, dedication, and knowledge are eventually appreciated and recognized.
Konstantin O. Papailiou, President of the International CIGRE Organization from Paris, officially opened the IX CG KO CIGRE Conference, stating that today, energy is more than a profession.
“In the past, we designed transmission lines, worked on projects, and travelled — it was a great job. But today, with the urgent need for an energy transition, this is no longer just a job — it’s a mission. We have a mission to save the planet.”
He addressed young participants directly:
“We are living in the greatest period our profession has ever seen. If we fail to decarbonize the planet by 2050, we will face serious problems. There is no Plan B, ladies and gentlemen — because there is no Planet B.”
This year’s conference features 62 scientific papers from authors across Montenegro and the region, which will be presented through the work of 15 study committees. In addition to the committee sessions, a technical exhibition of energy equipment from renowned companies will be organized, along with panel discussions on the topics: "Modern Challenges in Power System Operation: Ensuring Stability, Flexibility, and Resilience" and "Transformation of Power Systems through Power Electronics Application.
The general sponsor of the IX CG KO CIGRE Conference is HITACHI ENERGY.