December 2, 2025
by in News

Šahmanović: Montenegro still in talks on CBAM postponement

Montenegro is still negotiating a postponement of the implementation of the European Union’s carbon border tax or an exemption from the levy, according to Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović.

“We are not giving up on the request for an exemption or a postponement of the application of CBAM. The potential effects would be significant for [Montenegro’s] energy system, which is why we are negotiating at the European and regional level, while at the same time accelerating domestic energy projects,” Šahmanović said at a meeting with the management of state power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG).

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) represents a key issue for the Montenegrin energy sector, and it requires coordinated action by the government and energy companies, it was stressed at the meeting, which was also attended by Damjan Ćulafić, the minister of ecology and sustainable development.

The CBAM negotiations require joint efforts by the government and energy companies

At a meeting of the Energy Community Ministerial Council in December last year, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina asked for the application of CBAM to be postponed.

CBAM, whose implementation is scheduled for January 1, 2026, imposes a tax on CO2 emissions for goods imported into the EU from countries that do not have carbon pricing. The tax will cover cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. CBAM is expected to have a serious impact on the EU’s neighbors, including the Western Balkan countries.

At the meeting at the EPCG headquarters in Nikšić, it was agreed to continue communication with EU institutions to ensure additional flexibility for Montenegro in the process of CBAM implementation, according to a statement from EPCG.

Montenegro will highlight its investments in environmental projects and the energy transition

A particular emphasis in the talks will be placed on arguments related to investments in environmental projects and the energy transition in Montenegro, the statement added.

The EPCG management updated the ministry on the progress of its solar and wind energy projects, which play a key role in ensuring grid stability and energy security, while Šahmanović emphasized that the state strongly supports these investments and is speeding up procedures to help build new capacities as quickly as possible, according to the statement.

Post Views:39
December 2, 2025
by in News

Serbia’s Vinča Institute, EDF to cooperate in nuclear energy

During the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris 2025, the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences signed a memorandum of cooperation with Électricité de France (EDF).

The Serbian Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences said its new memorandum of cooperation with French state-owned energy utility EDF establishes a framework for scientific, technological, and educational cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

The document was signed by the Vinča Institute’s CEO Slavko Dimović and Vakisasai Ramany, EDF’s Senior Vice President for International Nuclear Development.

Four main sectors of cooperation

The deal envisages joint activities in the areas of scientific research cooperation, professional training and development of employees, international exchange, and public communication on nuclear topics, according to the institute.

The goal is to enhance knowledge, develop expertise, and promote informed public discussion about the potential role of nuclear energy in our country, the Vinča Institute revealed in a social network post.

serbia edf france nuclear energy memoradnum dimovic paris
Slavko Dimović and Vakisasai Ramany (photo: Vinča)

The International Institute of Nuclear Energy I2EN, founded by EDF, will play a key role in implementing the educational programs. It will organize joint academic projects, student exchanges, and research visits.

Dimović: The memorandum is a pledge that we are going to support the growth of young scientists and engineers

The Vinča Institute’s CEO Slavko Dimović stressed that the memorandum represents a continuation of the Serbian-French friendship and an important step toward strengthening the institute’s international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge with one of the world’s leaders in the nuclear energy sector.

The Vinča Institute has long stood as a pillar of scientific and nuclear excellence in Serbia and the region, in his view. EDF brings expertise, experience, knowledge and strong commitment to innovation and the future, Dimović added.

“This memorandum is not just a document, it’s a pledge that we are going to learn from each other, to support the growth of young scientists and engineers, and to promote and help public acceptance of nuclear energy in Serbia,” he underlined.

EDF is active in the region

The Government of Serbia and EDF signed a memorandum of cooperation in April 2024. A few months later, in September, EDF and Egis Industries were awarded a contract for a preliminary technical study for considering the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

France and EDF are very active in the energy sector in the region. The company has established cooperation with the Government of Montenegro, and with the country’s power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG). France and Slovenia recently signed a declaration on cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, while EDF is in the race to build the new Krško 2 nuclear power plant.

On a bilateral level, Serbia has established contacts or started cooperation in the nuclear energy sphere with China, France, Russia, Slovenia, the United States, and South Korea.

Post Views:23
October 30, 2025
by in News

Second phase of Gvozd wind farm gets green light from environment agency

The Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro has determined there is no need for an environmental impact assessment report for the second phase of the Gvozd wind farm, and allowed the project to proceed. It is for three additional wind turbines with a total capacity of 21 MW, bringing the wind farm’s overall capacity to 75.6 MW.

Within the same decision, the firm implementing the Gvozd 2 project is instructed to conduct a one-year survey of birds and bats at the project site by November 1, 2026, and to submit the findings to the Environmental Protection Agency, which reserves the right to order additional measures if necessary.

During construction, the project developers must take steps to reduce noise and use the existing road network to avoid the destruction of bird and bat habitats. It is also necessary to monitor bird nesting and take measures to protect nesting sites, while minimizing forest clearance and reducing the risk of vehicle collisions, according to the agency’s decision.

Special attention must be paid to bird and bat habitats

The second phase of the Gvozd wind farm project is financed by a EUR 25 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), signed with Montenegro’s state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG). Its subsidiary in charge of the project, Green Gvozd WPP Second Phase, is registered in Podgorica.

Once completed, Gvozd will be the largest of Montenegro’s three wind farms, with a capacity to generate over 210 GWh of electricity annually. It would be enough to supply around 36,000 households, with CO₂ emissions expected to be reduced by nearly 137,000 tons per year, EPCG said after signing the loan agreement.

The first phase should be completed by the end of this year, and the entire project before the end of 2026

The first phase of Gvozd will have eight wind turbines with a total capacity of 54.6 MW. Construction began in November 2024. EPCG expects the plant to be put into trial operation by the end of this year. Its annual electricity output is estimated at 150 GWh.

EBRD financed the first phase as well, with an EUR 82 million loan. Gvozd will be EPCG’s first large-scale power generation facility built in more than 40 years.

The EBRD previously announced that all 75.6 MW should be online before the end of 2026.

Post Views:40
October 30, 2025
by in News

Montenegro’s EPCG appoints Bojan Đordan as acting CEO

Elektroprivreda Crne Gore has appointed a new chief executive officer. Instead of Ivan Bulatović, the new head of Montenegro’s state-owned power utility is Bojan Đordan.

The Board of Directors of Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has relieved the previous chief executive officer Ivan Bulatović of his duties and appointed Bojan Đordan as the acting CEO.

Đordan is assuming the top position after leading the utility’s sector for renewable energy sources.

The decision was made in line with the statute and internal acts of EPCG, to ensure continuity in company management and the implementation of ongoing business and investment activities.

The company intends to soon open a contest for a new CEO

The board of directors vowed to announce a contest soon for a new CEO, in line with the law and company procedures.

The company will remain focused on implementing strategic projects in the energy transition, modernization, and development of new capacities, while consistently adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, and professional management, according to the update.

Đordan was also head of EPCG’s production section

Bojan Đordan has graduated from the School of Electrical Engineering in the country’s capital Podgorica.

From 2008 to 2011, he worked at Crnogorski Telekom before moving to EPCG, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Before becoming the head of the renewables sector in EPCG, Đordan led the company’s production section.

Ivan Bulatović was chosen for a four-year term in January 2024 after a contest for the top job.

Post Views:82
October 17, 2025
by in News

Montenegro’s EPCG to develop floating solar, thermal batteries, high-altitude wind turbines

Montenegrin state-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore has signed memoranda of understanding with Akuo, E2S Power AG, and wind fisher for a floating solar power plant, thermal batteries, and a pilot project for high-altitude wind turbines, respectively.

Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed within the framework of the European Union – Montenegro Investment Conference. Domestic and European companies initiated 14 projects, including for wind and solar power, energy storage, and the electricity grid.

The two-day conference Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro, held earlier this week in Luštica, near Tivat, was opened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić.

Bulatović: We will develop three projects with Akuo

Ivan Bulatović, CEO of government-controlled Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), told Balkan Green Energy News that the memorandum with French renewable energy company Akuo includes a 36 MW floating solar power plant on Slano lake.

The investment is estimated at EUR 60 million.

It is an innovative technology and it helps the environment by reducing water evaporation, Bulatović explained.

Scotto: Montenegro has everything it needs for the development of renewables

Another project within the deal is for a solar power plant, and the third one is for energy storage. On behalf of Akuo Energy, the memorandum was signed by CEO Eric Scotto.

He stressed that floating solar saves water and space while providing energy. Scotto revealed the possibility for the proposed onshore photovoltaic plant to be agrisolar.

Montenegro has everything it needs for the development of renewable energy sources – sun, wind and space, Scotto stressed.

Thermal batteries at TE Pljevlja

Photo: EPCG

EPCG signed its second memorandum with E2S Power AG, based in Switzerland, for the joint development, production, and application of thermal energy storage. The ceremony was attended by Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

The aim of the project is to lower the domestic utility’s CO2 emissions, primarily from the Pljevlja coal power plant.

Electricity would be purchased on the market when it’s cheap, to charge the energy storage facility and later produce steam to drive the turbine and generate electricity, Bulatović explained.

He stressed that the cooperation opens up the possibility for the application of advanced technologies enabling more efficient energy use and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Wind fisher is developing innovative high-altitude wind turbines

“Our thermal energy storage technology, TWEST, provides concrete solutions for decarbonizing thermal power plants and stabilizing power systems that are increasingly reliant on renewable sources,” E2S Power AG CEO Saša Savić said.

The memorandum with French innovative solutions firm wind fisher envisages the development of a joint pilot project for high-altitude wind turbines. Bulatović signed it with the company’s CEO Stéphane Vidaillet.

It is an innovative idea that should take off in the future, and this is a pilot project in the testing phase, Bulatović revealed.

The company, in his words, has the technology, and Montenegro has the space where it can be tested.

Photo: EPCG
Post Views:53
October 17, 2025
by in News

Montenegro building two solar plants at hydropower dams

Montenegro’s state power utility, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), is installing a 2.5 MW solar plant at the Slano hydropower dam near Nikšić, while a photovoltaic plant is also being installed at the Vrtac dam. The project marks yet another step towards increasing the share of renewable sources and strengthening Montenegro’s energy independence, said EPCG-Solar gradnja, a subsidiary of EPCG.

The project is implemented by EPCG-Solar gradnja, which specializes in the procurement, design, installation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems. Both dams belong to hydropower plant Perućica.

The works at the Slano dam are challenging, as the solar panels are being installed on very steep terrain, according to Marina Jočić, president of the board of EPCG-Solar gradnja. She was speaking during a tour of the site with EPCG management, Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić, and Mayor of Nikšić Marko Kovačević.

The total planned capacity of the Slano and Vrtac solar plants is 3.7 MW

According to earlier announcements, the total installed capacity of the Slano and Vrtac solar power plants will be 3.7 MW. Works on the Vrtac power plant are in the final phase, said Miro Vračar, head of production at EPCG.

EPCG also plans to build the country’s first floating solar power plant at the Slano reservoir. Late last year, the investment valued at EUR 60 million was listed as one of 15 priority infrastructure projects in Montenegro’s energy sector.

EPCG also plans a floating solar plant at the Slano reservoir

Solar power plants on dams are also being built in other countries in the region. In Slovenia, one such facility was put into operation in June, installed on the reservoir wall of the Avče pumped storage hydropower plant.

When it comes to floating solar, North Macedonia plans to integrate such facilities into the national irrigation network.

Post Views:48
October 15, 2025
by in News

EU-Montenegro Investment Conference: 14 partnerships, MoUs signed for energy, sustainable projects

A total of 14 cooperation projects between Montenegrin and European companies have been initiated at the ongoing European Union-Montenegro Investment Conference, including investments in wind farms, solar parks, energy storage, and grids.

The two-day conference, titled Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro, was opened today in Luštica, near Tivat, by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić.

Montenegro’s growing potential for strategic, green, and sustainable investments was presented through new partnerships between leading Montenegrin and European companies, according to a press release by the Government of Montenegro.

The Conference was jointly organized by the government and the European Commission, with the support of the Montenegro Investment Agency (MIA).

State power utility EPCG has signed three memoranda of understanding

State-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs). One was signed with Akuo for the development of several renewable energy projects, including floating solar, a photovoltaic plant, and energy storage.

The second MoU, signed with SS&A Power Group, envisages the development, manufacture, and installation of thermal energy storage, while the third, with Wind Fisher, concerns a new technology for high-altitude wind power generation.

Alcazar Energy signed a memorandum with the government’s project management office for the development and financing of renewable energy projects. CWP Europe and the Montenegrin Investment Agency (MIA) signed a memorandum on the development of the Montečevo solar farm project with battery storage. The company signed a similar agreement for its project in Albania yesterday.

A memorandum was also signed between Čevo Solar and Grawert Jenny & Partner on battery energy storage systems (BESS). A 20 MW/60 MWh battery is being considered.

Four sustainable investment partnerships were also signed

The Ministry of Energy and Mining and EDF will further discuss the issue of modernizing Montenegro’s power distribution network.

Among the signed documents is an MoU on collaboration between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Erste on a Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), as well as cooperation in the field of wastewater management between Suez and MIA.

In addition, four sustainable investment partnerships were also signed: Farm2Fork Montenegro, Station M, Green Logistics Hub, and Northern Investments Compact for Ecology & Resilience (NICER). Green Logistics Hub refers to the Port of Bar, which aims to become the first net-zero port on the Adriatic. NICER concerns the just transition and is led by the Pljevlja Coal Mine.

Von der Leyen: Do not wait for accession to invest in Montenegro

Photo: Bojan Gnjidić/Vlada Crne Gore

The event brought together senior representatives of the Government of Montenegro, the European Union, international financial institutions, as well as prominent European and Montenegrin investors.

“My message is very clear: do not wait for accession to invest in Montenegro, because by then you may miss the opportunities that others will seize,” Ursula von der Leyen noted.

She stressed that by continuing its European journey with determination and speed, Montenegro is making its goal of EU accession attainable.

“Today, we are opening a new chapter of development—we are beginning a major investment cycle, strengthening our ties with the European market even before formally joining the European family. Today, we are bringing our vision of green and smart growth to life. We are doing this together with our most important strategic partner—the European Union, which is also the largest investor in our country,” Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said.

He recalled that the country plans to close all negotiating chapters with the EU by the end of 2026 and become its 28th member state in 2028.

Photo: Bojan Gnjidić/Vlada Crne Gore
Post Views:75
September 11, 2025
by in News

Parliament of Montenegro installs solar power plant

The solar power plant on the roof of the Parliament of Montenegro in Podgorica has started producing electricity. The plant’s total peak capacity is 81 kW, and it is expected to generate approximately 100,000 kWh per year.

Montenegro is likely the first country in the former Yugoslavia to install solar panels on the roof of its parliament. This project represents an important step towards sustainable development and the efficient use of energy resources, according to the Parliament of Montenegro.

The installed photovoltaic system consists of 150 monocrystalline solar panels, each with a capacity of 540 W. The total peak capacity of the plant is 81 kW. Electricity is delivered to the grid through a 70 kVA inverter.

The estimated annual power production of 100,000 kWh will cover a significant portion of the assembly’s consumption and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This achievement will promote the parliament into a prosumer.

The solar plant will cover a significant part of the parliament’s consumption

The parliament underlined that the implementation of the project represents its commitment to improving energy efficiency. It recalled that the previous renovation enabled a significant decrease in the power consumption.

This year, the assembly plans to start modernizing its cooling system and boost energy efficiency with a new facade. The activities are set to be finished in 2026, further enhancing the overall energy balance of the building.

For years now Montenegro has been implementing a program for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of households and businesses

The Parliament of Montenegro said that, as a socially responsible institution, it is strategically oriented towards modern sustainability standards, rational management of public funds, and environmental protection.

For years now, Montenegro has been implementing a program for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of households and businesses. Power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) is in charge of the program. Solari 3000+ and Solari 500+ are finished, and Solari 5000+ is underway.

Of note, the Government of Serbia also announced its intention to install photovoltaic units and become a prosumer. However, there are currently no new updates regarding the implementation of this project.

Post Views:59
September 9, 2025
by in News

Bajramović: Investments of BAM 1.4 billion needed for distribution grids in BiH

Necessary investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electricity distribution grids by 2030 amount to BAM 1.4 billion (EUR 716 million), according to Zijad Bajramović, chairman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina committee of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE).

The growing installation of power plants utilizing renewable energy sources is creating congestion in transmission and distribution networks, so the limited available capacity for their connection is an issue across the entire region, Zijad Bajramović told state news agency Fena. Nezavisne Novine republished the report.

An additional burden on the distribution network is expected from the electrification of transportation and increased electricity use for heating and cooling.

Energy storage is a solution for the problems emerging in the grid

Bajramović explained that new 110 kV substations are necessary, as is the completion of the ongoing transition to the 20 kV voltage level. Attention should also be paid to integrating prosumers, especially the households that both produce electricity, with solar panels on their roofs, and consume it.

He highlighted balancing as well as maintaining voltage conditions and supply quality as the main challenges from the rise in renewable electricity capacity on the grid. Energy storage is a solution for the issues.

Batteries can prevent renewables generation curtailments

Bajramović expects battery energy storage systems to play an increasingly significant role in relieving network congestion.

BESS, in his words, are a flexibility tool for absorbing excess generation locally, and temporarily easing the pressure on the transmission grid. They can prevent curtailments of power generation from variable renewable sources, he added.

Bajramović recalled that calculations have showed batteries of 225 MW / 450 MWh in total would be necessary to connect 1,500 MW of solar power capacity and 1,000 MW of wind power to the transmission network.

An increase in distribution network tariffs would provide funds for investment in strengthening and modernizing the distribution network, in his view.

Batteries are being installed at a rapid rate around the world as well as in the region. Not only private companies, but also state-owned utilities such as Romania’s Hidroelectrica and Montenegro’s Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) are investing in such projects.

Post Views:23
September 5, 2025
by in News

Montenegro’s power utility seeks contractor for two battery storage systems

Montenegro’s state-owned power utility, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, has launched a tender for the procurement and installation of two battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 60 MW/240 MWh.

Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) is seeking a partner for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of two battery energy storage systems (BESS), each with a capacity of 30 MW and 120 MWh, with an output voltage of 35 kV.

The estimated value of the procurement is EUR 48 million excluding VAT, according to the public call.

The EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract for the batteries is a comprehensive turnkey agreement covering all phases of project development, including design, equipment procurement and delivery, permitting, construction, and commissioning.

The contract also includes training for EPCG personnel

Technical staff training is included to ensure the proper and safe operation of the facilities, as well as to validate their performance in accordance with the contracted terms, which will be mutually confirmed by signing a technical acceptance report.

The EPC covers all technical, engineering, logistical, and construction details, workplace health and safety, environmental protection, and responsibilities for performance guarantees and technical maintenance of the facility, according to the public call.

According to previous announcements, EPCG intends to utilize existing infrastructure for connection to the transmission grid. Potential locations include the 60 MWh hydropower plant Perućica, EPCG’s steel mill Željezara Nikšić with two 60 MWh units, and the 60 MWh Pljevlja thermal power plant.

The first two battery systems will be installed at the Željezara site.

EPCG held talks with several investors

In March, the company announced it had held discussions with several companies and financiers from the region, Europe, and beyond.

EPCG initially announced its intention to install batteries in early September last year. At that time, the EPCG Board of Directors adopted a project task proposal for adding BESS capacities.

According to the project task, EPCG aims to optimize the utilization of all renewable energy sources, alongside numerous new renewable energy projects.

The company plans to secure the flexibility of the power system with energy storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries, according to EPCG.

Post Views:43