CGES Secures €15 Million Investment to Upgrade Tri-Nation Power Infrastructure in the Western Balkans

Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem (CGES), Montenegro’s national transmission system operator, has successfully secured a €15 million loan to finance the modernization of the 220-kilovolt (kV) power line connecting Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania.

This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of Montenegro’s domestic electricity transmission network while simultaneously fortifying cross-border energy connectivity throughout the Western Balkans. According to CGES, the project represents a critical step toward the broader regional integration of power systems.

The financial agreement was formally signed by CGES Chief Executive Officer Ivan Asanović, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Vice President Mark Bowman, and Montenegrin Minister of Finance Novica Vuković. The Ministry of Finance backed the initiative by issuing a state guarantee, underscoring the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting strategic investments that bolster both national infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Detailing the technical improvements, CEO Ivan Asanović noted that the modernization project will effectively double the transmission line’s current capacity from 300 megawatts (MW) to approximately 600 MW. He characterized the upgrade as a foundational investment in a secure, stable, and integrated energy future for the region, resulting in a more resilient grid capable of meeting increasing systemic demands and facilitating deeper regional cooperation.

EBRD Vice President Mark Bowman echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that reinforcing transmission networks is essential for securing long-term energy security and regional integration in the Western Balkans. Bowman noted that the project will overhaul vital infrastructure in Montenegro, aligning with the EBRD’s mandate to foster sustainable and resilient infrastructural development.

Looking forward, this project falls under a broader capital expenditure strategy for CGES, which plans to invest a total of €200 million into transmission infrastructure over the next five years.