CGES is building an energy bridge to Europe: New laws and infrastructure investments in EU focus
Praise for impressive results and transparent work
The projects implemented by the Montenegrin Transmission System Operator (CGES) have been attracting the attention of the European Union for many years, as confirmed by the continued interest in our infrastructure initiatives. The visit by a Member of the European Parliament to the 400/110 kV 'Podgorica 2' substation is just one piece of evidence that our commitment to developing energy infrastructure is not going unnoticed at a European level.
This is one of many visits by EU representatives to the Montenegrin electricity transmission system. Our infrastructure and projects are a focus for the EU, and our work on developing the energy network regularly receives recognition and support. Ivan Asanović, Executive Director of CGES, with his closest collaborators – Ledom Minić, director of Elektroprenos Dragan Perunović, Director of the Development and Engineering Sector, welcomed the MPs, while Aleksa Knežević, Chief of Staff to the Executive Directorpresented the key aspects of the Trans-Balkan Project with details that enabled the MPs to gain a full picture of its importance and impact on the electricity grid of Montenegro and beyond.
Knežević particularly emphasised that the Montenegrin electricity transmission system is continuing its intensive work to align with European standards and regulations., through a series of activities in the area of electricity market integration and regional coordination. The focus is on the completion Electricity Market Integration Package (EIP), the implementation of which is expected in Montenegro in the coming months. New Energy Act was adopted in March 2025, while Law on cross-border exchange of electricity and gas in progress. The validation of the packet transposition process is carried out by European Commission and the Energy Community.
A parallel process is also taking place. market coupling between Italy and Montenegro where our company obtained observer status in MCSC-uMarket Interconnection Steering Committee
The visit took place in an extremely interactive atmosphere, with numerous questions, constructive comments and expressions of praise for the high level of professionalism and engagement of our expert teams. The parliamentarians noted that the results our company is achieving are impressive, particularly in the context of the complex challenges facing the electricity sector.
One of the questions concerned the reasons for the lengthy construction of our infrastructure projects, to which it was clarified that the challenges are numerous, the greatest of which is the rejection of projects by local communities and environmental organisations, which is why it is important for the public to understand our role, duties and responsibilities in preserving the energy system.
Particular attention was paid during the visit to issues related to the operation of the system under conditions of an ever-increasing share of renewable sources in electricity generation. It was emphasised how challenging it is to maintain grid security and how essential it is to invest more and more in it.
At the end of the visit, the representatives of the European Parliament expressed their satisfaction with what they had seen, offering clear praise for the company's commitment, results, and the transparent way in which it approaches the challenges of the energy transition. The support from European institutions will, as stated, be an important incentive for further progress and stronger integration into the common European energy market.
As a reminder, the Trans-Balkan Project, for the realisation of which he received The EU grant, worth 25 million euros, included, among other things, the modernisation of 15 substations across the country, among which this particular 400/110 kV 'Podgorica 2' substation stood out, which was the focus of European parliamentarians. This substation is one of the key ones for the stability of Montenegro's electricity system, as it ensures a reliable supply of electricity to the consumer areas of Podgorica, Cetinje and the Montenegrin coast. The modernisation included the replacement of high-voltage equipment and the reconstruction of the protection system, which has further improved the system's reliability, making our electricity sector even safer and more efficient.
Furthermore, CGES recently received a significant grant of over 9.5 million. € through the Western Balkans Fund (WBIF). These funds are intended for the realisation of two extremely importantžon the project for the electricity infrastructure: the construction of a 400/110/35 kV substation „Birch“ the amount of 6.4 million €, and the construction of the 110 kV DV „Herceg Novi – Vilusi, worth 3.1 million €Let us not forget the three million in grants for the preparation of a feasibility study for the construction of the 400 kV 'Brezna-Sarajevo' and 110 kV 'Virpazar-Ulcinj' power lines. which also represent very important electrical power facilities. The projects represent a step forward in the construction of a stable and secure energy grid.že, which is the foundation for the further development of the economy, as well as for connecting Montenegro with regional trade routes.žišTheme: Electricityčof energy.
CGES is continuously making efforts to develop the transmission network throughout Montenegro. These projects enable more efficient management of energy resources, the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity grid, and the strengthening of energy security. These investment undertakings are expected not only to increase the system's capacity but also to contribute to the further development of energy infrastructure in the region, with an emphasis on regional cooperation and energy interconnection.
The visit of the Members of the European Parliament is another step in the EU's continued support to Montenegro on its path towards energy stability and sustainable development.
