Energy, in addition to its primary role, will become a driving force for economic growth and development in the time ahead of us

Today, the University of Montenegro organised a public forum on the topic "Electric power as a potential generator of Montenegrin economic growth", in the premises of the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro (UCG).

Participants in the forum were: Aleksandar Mijušković,, Chairman of the CGES Board of Directors, Nikola Rovčanin, Executive Director of Elektroprivreda Crna Gora, Prof. Dr Milivoje Radović, from the Faculty of Economics, UCG, MSc Milan VukasovićTeam Leader in the System Control Department of the Austrian transmission grid operator (Austrian Power Grid AG), and mediator PhD Gojko Joksimović, Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Podgorica.

What are the peculiarities of Montenegro in terms of electric power? What is the position of the Montenegrin electric power sector in the light of current European energy packages and general European regulations in this area? What are the current economic and other effects of the submarine cable between Italy and Montenegro and how can they be multiplied? To what extent can the intensive construction of renewable energy sources affect the desired course of events? These were the topics of this, we would say, very constructive public forum, which brought together experts, that is, panellists from the energy sector and the academic milieu, which attracted the attention of attendees and encouraged active participation.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of CGES, Aleksandar Mijušković,, speaking about the utilisation of the undersea cable, which has brought numerous benefits not only to the company but also to the state, he pointed out that CGES had a record net profit since its establishment: 17 million in the previous year and 20.3 million in the last year. He expressed his satisfaction with the fact that CGES will adopt a decision on the distribution of a dividend of 8.2 million euros at the annual Shareholder Meeting, which he is very proud of. In addition, Mijušković emphasised that thanks to the submarine cable, Montenegro has become a bridge between Europe and the Balkans, and as such represents an energy hub. Numerous investments continue, among which the key role is played by the completion of the construction of the 400 kV overhead line Lastva-Čevo-Pljevlja, which is an extremely complex project. “Our system is exceptional and as such is ready for new sources of electricity. And we are already prepared and represent a good foundation for future investments in the energy sector,” Mijušković concluded, reminding the public which projects were on the list of planned investments that CGES will implement in the future.

Globally, the electric power system has experienced tectonic changes during the previous decades. These changes were the result of the development of new technologies, especially in the field of renewable energy sources, as well as the newly introduced market principles of business.

The Executive Director of Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, Nikola Rovčanin, emphasised that this electric power company successfully coped with the energy crisis without burdening end consumers. He also pointed out the need, that is, the necessity of the Law on Strategic Planning, which would be completely separated from the Law on Construction of Structures, and he said that TPP Pljevlja, as the only stable source of energy, should not be shut down. On the other hand, foreign experts have a different view of its future.

"For Montenegro, the thermal power plant is the worst option for it to be kept in a stand-by reserve, which can be activated as needed, in order to meet the need for electricity in crisis situations," Milan Vukasović from the Austrian transmission network operator said.

"In addition to tourism, energy must be a pillar of Montenegro's development," PhD Milivoje Radović said.

The forum sent a message that it is certain that energy, in addition to its primary role, will also become a driving force for economic growth and development in the time ahead.