New round of talks between Montenegro and Masdar on strategic partnership

Representatives of the Government of Montenegro and Masdar discussed potential joint projects in the energy sector. The focus of the meeting was on solar energy, energy storage, and hydropower.

Minister of Energy and Mining of Montenegro Admir Šahmanović and the Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović met today at Villa Gorica in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica with Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and his team.

It was the second meeting between Al Ramahi and Šahmanović in a short period. They met in early September.

The discussions now continued on top priority projects for the Government of Montenegro, ones that could be of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mining.

Priority should be given to projects that are the most technically advanced

Discussions will be intensified to define collaboration models, potential investments, and the selection of first projects to be implemented, the update reads.

Solar projects, including for floating solar power plants, alongside battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hydropower plants, have been identified as segments of special interest. These are also the areas where Masdar has significant engineering and technical experience, the ministry said.

montenegro masdar sahmanovic — Al Ramahi and Šahmanović (photo: Government of Montenegro/Saša Matić)

The two sides agreed to focus on projects that are the most technically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with the development of the power grid, to ensure their sustainable and efficient implementation.

Šahmanović: Montenegro’s strategic and long-term goal is to establish itself as a reliable and competitive player in the European energy market

Minister Šahmanović pointed out that the country’s strategic and long-term goal is to establish itself as a reliable and competitive player in the European energy market. He underscored that the development of energy infrastructure and renewable energy sources are among the government’s key priorities.

Officials participating in the meeting praised the planned construction of a second submarine cable line with Italy. It is an extremely wise and strategic investment that ensures Montenegro a stronger and more stable position in the European electricity market, they added.
Montenegro’s vision as an energy hub is fully aligned with the government’s development plans, Šahmanović stressed.

Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović highlighted the extensive experience of the United Arab Emirates in energy and infrastructure development in the public sector. It is of great importance for Montenegro’s activities in increasing renewable energy capacities, she added.

Masdar’s expert teams will continue technical talks with the management of EPCG and CGES

Masdar’s representatives have expressed readiness to continue technical discussions with the management of power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) and transmission system operator (TSO) Crnogorski Elektroprenosni Sistem (CGES).

The company’s expert teams will aim to identify priority and mature projects for joint implementation, the ministry said.

EPCG’s CEO Zdravko Dragaš and Ivan Mrvaljević, Executive Officer of EPCG’s Directorate for Development and Engineering, pointed out that the development of green energy is the company’s top priority.

A total of 200 MW in renewable energy projects are currently in development, they added.

Ivan Asanović, CEO of CGES, presented projects that are in the final stages of implementation.

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December 8, 2025

by AEA in News

Šahmanović: Montenegro is facing its most challenging year for energy sector

Montenegro is facing its most challenging year for the energy sector, Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović stressed.

State-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) will suffer a loss of around EUR 80 million given that the Pljevlja coal power plant is offline, while electricity consumption is rising amid increases in prices of other energy sources, Admir Šahmanović told TV Vijesti.

He explained that development is focusing on the reconstruction of the thermal power plant, addressing delays in connecting solar power plants to the grid, and plans for projects including within cooperation with the UAE and an agreement with Italy on a second subsea cable.

Šahmanović: We entered this year quite wounded

The priority will be price stability and increasing the use of renewable sources, along with strengthening Montenegro’s position as an energy hub between the region and the European Union, he added.

“I can freely say that, regarding this year, it is perhaps the most challenging year in the modern history of Montenegro, exactly for the energy sector. We entered this year quite wounded given the fact that last year the hydrological conditions were the worst in the country’s history,” he asserted.

Šahmanović added the electricity demand in Montenegro has jumped 6%.

Climate change is playing its part

One of the reasons is the increase in the price of energy sources such as wood and coal, according to the minister.

He pointed to climate change as another factor. There is a growing need to install air conditioning units even in northern Montenegro, where there was previously no need for it, he added.

Therefore, in the minister’s words, the construction of other production facilities is inevitable.

Of note, EPCG’s executive manager of supply Jovan Kasalica said in April that electricity consumption in Montenegro has risen by 25% over the previous four years.

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