by in News

Croatia finally close to removing major obstacle to investments in renewables

After three years of delays, Croatia is finally close to adopting a methodology for the calculation of the grid connection fee for renewable power plants. Investors have repeatedly urged the authorities to enact the document, arguing it was the main obstacle to investments in renewable energy sources.

The Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency (HERA) said it has developed a draft methodology for determining the electricity grid connection fee. The public discussion, which began on October 23, lasts until November 21.

According to HERA, the effect of required investments in the transmission network on the network usage fee depends on the share of the connection fee in the total costs of developing the high and very high voltage network, as well as on the amount of grants.

It is possible to connect to the grid even before all technical conditions are met

The effect on the network usage fee will become evident when the relevant network reinforcements are completed, for example, in 10 to 15 years, the agency said.

The costs of developing the transmission network to achieve goals from the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) will be financed partly from the grid connection fee and partly from the network usage fee.

HERA pointed out that the legislative framework allows network users to connect even before all technical conditions met, by signing flexible connection agreements, which envisage the possibility of operational restrictions regarding connection capacity.

Personnel decisions have delayed the process of determining the fee

The Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia (RES Croatia) association repeatedly warned that the failure to determine the grid connection fee has halted projects worth around EUR 3 billion overall.

In mid-September, together with SolarPower Europe and WindEurope, RES Croatia sent a letter to the European Commission to raise concerns about the crisis in the country’s renewable energy sector.

According to domestic media, one of the main reasons for the delay in determining the grid connection fee was that HERA’s Management Board was incomplete for two years.

by in News

Webinar summary: How to design PV and BESS in the Balkans faster and smarter with RatedPower software

RatedPower, a leading provider of software for PV plant and BESS design and engineering, has organized a webinar to present its solutions that make it faster and easier for developers and contractors to design and build PV and battery storage facilities, helping increase their efficiency and profitability. The online event included a step-by-step demonstration of how RatedPower’s cloud-based software tool creates simulations of PV plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hybrid facilities to assess costs, performance, and profitability under various scenarios. The hosts also answered questions such as whether the software can be used for rooftop solar, how it accounts for terrain, what financial aspects it considers, and how user-friendly it is for non-technical staff. A recording of the webinar is available at this link.

The webinar opened with an overview of the main challenges that solar and BESS projects face in the Balkans, but also elsewhere in the world. These include a lack of collaboration between teams, difficulty finding investors for projects in the ready-to-build stage, insufficient documentation needed for permitting, lengthy manual calculations, and poor decision-making in feasibility studies.

Addressing common challenges in the Balkans

RatedPower was created precisely to address these problems, and today it provides services for a wide range of companies in the solar and BESS market, including well-known international players, it was explained at the webinar, hosted by Emil Trepin, Account Executive at RatedPower.

The company decided to expand to the Balkans because it is one of the fastest-growing regions in Europe when it comes to renewable energy projects. This, it was explained, is thanks to energy transition efforts, grid modernization, investment momentum, and state support for renewables across the region.

Much more than an engineering tool

RatedPower, part of Enverus, a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for the energy sector, offers a cloud-based tool for designing ground-mounted PV plants of 1 MW and above, and up to 3-4 GW, as well as hybrid systems (PV plus BESS) and standalone battery storage projects.

The platform creates the fastest simulations in the industry, reducing design and engineering time by up to 90%, while helping increase project profitability by about 20%. It generates over 400 pages of ready-to-use documents, including bills of quantities, single-line diagrams, business plans, and much more.

The tool reduces design and engineering time by up to 90%

RatedPower’s software is much more than an engineering tool – it is a decision-making platform that combines the simulation of technical design, energy yield, and financial analysis, according to the hosts.

A step-by-step demonstration of how the platform works

During the demonstration, Matteo Menazzi, Technical Advisor at RatedPower, explained how the platform is used in practice. Since it is cloud-based, it can be accessed from any web browser and used simultaneously by several people working on the same project or on multiple projects.

The first step is to select a location on the map, taking into account various restrictions, such as roads, forests, and archaeological sites, and then add PV arrays, BESS, and other equipment.

Equipment, such as PV modules or battery containers, is selected from a pre-filled database or uploaded manually. The software then creates a full simulation in a matter of seconds, allowing users to test different modules or equipment and compare results.

Solar modules, batteries, and other equipment can be selected from a pre-filled database

In the layout phase, users can set the distance between rows, adapt the configuration to the terrain slope, and estimate the scope and cost of necessary earthworks.

The software also allows the customization of grid connection parameters, including voltage levels and line types (underground or overhead). It then automatically estimates substation size and electrical losses, and calculates the necessary cable lengths.

It calculates the amount of electricity that can be produced and injected into the grid, as well as financial performance. In addition, a large number of documents is automatically generated – from hourly energy yield and battery performance results to lists of necessary cables, bills of quantities, and 2D and 3D drawings.

Designs can be edited and saved as templates for future projects

It is important to note that any design created with the RatedPower software can be edited by moving, adding, or removing elements. Also, all inputs can be saved as a template, which can be used for another project, saving considerable time.

Designing battery storage systems with RatedPower

When it comes to batteries, users can choose a power conversion system and battery containers from the database, define the number of BESS blocks and their layout, and adjust the distances between containers to comply with fire safety regulations. They can also customize charging and discharging efficiency and use the optimization algorithm to adjust operations for maximum profitability.

It is also possible to choose between a fixed and a variable price. For variable prices, the software will upload the day-ahead price for the relevant market or allow users to upload their own price. The tool will also recommend the most profitable time to sell electricity.

Users can also choose whether to charge the batteries only from the PV plant or from the grid as well.

The software provides project cost estimates based on standard values or the user’s input

In the financial segment, RatedPower’s software will estimate the total cost of building a PV plant or battery system, based on standard values provided by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

However, input values can also be fully customized by the user, based on the price of solar modules, BESS units, or cables.

If you want to know more about RatedPower’s software, request a demo today.

by in News

Repono acquires BESS project for 404 MWh in Romania

Swedish energy storage operator Repono has completed the acquisition of a 202 MW / 404 MWh battery energy storage system project located in Romania’s Argeș county.

Romania has become one of the most active markets for battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in South East Europe.

Developed by a domestic firm, the Argeș project reached a ready-to-build stage, Repono said. The investment benefits from a grid connection contract with the country’s transmission system operator Transelectrica. The entry point is the 220 kV Pitești substation, northwest of Bucharest.

Once operational, it will be among the largest grid-scale storage assets in Southeast Europe, capable of storing and releasing enough energy to supply more than 120,000 four-person households during peak-demand periods, according to the company.

The partnership with local developers includes a framework for additional energy storage projects

A partnership with local developers is set to drive significant future growth for the firm, based in Sweden.

It includes a framework for additional energy storage projects across Romania with a combined capacity of up to 1.4 GW, reinforcing Repono’s long-term commitment to the market, the update reads.

“This transaction represents an important milestone for Repono AB and demonstrates our continued commitment to developing large-scale storage infrastructure that supports Europe’s energy transition,” CEO Karim Nils Grueber stated.

De Kool: Large-scale storage assets are key enablers of a stable European power system

The Argeș project’s market optimization will be handled by Gunvor, in collaboration with Vienna-based optimiser Enspired. They are tasked with managing the energy offtake and market strategy to ensure the BESS is efficiently integrated into the Romanian and regional power markets.

According to Harmen de Kool, Chairman of the Board of Repono and a representative of InnoEnergy, large-scale storage assets like the one in Argeș are key enablers of a stable and decarbonized European power system.

It further fortifies InnoEnergy’s aim to achieve carbon neutrality, he added.

With this acquisition, Repono continues to expand its European portfolio of grid-scale BESS, with active developments spanning Germany, Romania, Italy, Austria, and Poland.

by in News

North Macedonia launches decarbonization guide for small businesses

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia has developed the country’s first decarbonization guide for small businesses. The digital tool is intended to help North Macedonia’s economy adapt to international climate rules, including the European Union’s carbon border tax (CBAM).

The decarbonization guide provides detailed instructions on the most effective ways for local companies to reduce their carbon footprint as part of the global fight against climate change, according to the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

The key feature is a carbon footprint calculator that covers nearly 60 different energy sources and refrigerants. Information is also available on EU and domestic climate regulations, as well as funding opportunities, such as subsidies.

The platform offers practical case studies and success stories of leading companies to highlight the benefits of clean energy, according to the chamber.

Božinovska: The decarbonization guide marks a turning point in the country’s green transition

The guide was developed in cooperation with the advisory team of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Delegation of the EU to North Macedonia.

The guide was presented in the country’s capital, Skopje, at a gathering attended by more than a hundred entrepreneurs from all sectors of the North Macedonian economy.

Sanja Božinovska (photo: Economic Chamber of North Macedonia)

“The decarbonization guide is a turning point in our country’s green transition, equipping businesses with the tools they need to act now,” said Sanja Božinovska, North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources.

The guide is designed to help companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to international climate rules, while, as the chamber says, preserving competitiveness.

One of these rules is the EU’s tax on the import of carbon-intensive goods, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The guide is available on the website of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia

This digital tool will help North Macedonia move towards a low-carbon economy, the chamber added.

The guide is available on the chamber’s website in the form of an interactive platform. Its development was financed by EIB Global.

Björn Gabriel, Head of EIB Representation in North Macedonia, has said that the guide comes at a crucial time as North Macedonia advances its green transition and prepares for upcoming carbon regulations.

According to Head of the Delegation of the EU to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas, decarbonization, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources are powerful tools for building a more innovative, resilient, and competitive economy.

If every small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) takes at least a few significant steps toward greener business practices, the combined impact on more than 68,000 firms will be truly transformative, claims Rokas.

Michalis Rokas (photo: Economic Chamber of North Macedonia)

by in News

Sunotec secures financing for Bulgarian BESS, renewables portfolio

Sunotec has secured financing for a portfolio of seven projects in Bulgaria. The deals were agreed in September.

The portfolio, for 115 MW in peak solar power capacity and 763 MWh of battery storage, significantly expands Sunotec‘s investment presence in its home market, according to the update.

Six projects are for standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) and one is for a solar power plant with a colocated BESS.

According to the firm, they are either wholly owned or partially, through Solaris Holding AD, a 50/50 joint venture with the main shareholders of Eurohold Bulgaria AD.

The standalone battery energy storage system projects are part of the government’s RESTORE program

The seven projects contribute to decarbonizing Bulgaria’s power sector, enhancing its grid stability and energy independence, Sunotec stressed.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy has approved the said standalone BESS projects to receive subsidies under the RESTORE program, the company added.

In the first round of the National Infrastructure for Storage of Electricity from Renewable Sources (RESTORE) program, Bulgaria approved EUR 587 million in subsidies for 82 BESS projects totaling 9.71 GWh.

In late July, Sunotec and Sungrow agreed to install 2.4 GWh of BESS

In late August, the ministry launched the public consultation process for a proposed new round of its subsidy program for BESS.

Viktor Stefanov, Head of IPP at Sunotec, said the seven investments mark a major milestone in its evolution.

The company added that they further strengthen its position, as well as of Solaris Holding, among Bulgaria’s leading investors in photovoltaics and energy storage.

In late July, China-based Sungrow achieved an agreement with Sunotec on installing 2.4 GWh of BESS in Europe. The portfolio includes several large-scale projects across Bulgaria, which will serve energy storage needs.

by in News

Spajić: Montenegro wants to be country of green data centers

Montenegro plans to become a country of green data centers, according to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

Milojko Spajić was one of the speakers at the keynote panel Accelerating the Western Balkans’ Green and Smart Growth, within the European Union – Montenegro Investment Conference in Luštica, near Tivat.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the prime minister of Montenegro opened the two-day event, titled Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro.

Spajić said energy is a cornerstone of the country’s strategy for connecting the region but also something in which Montenegro could be very competitive, helping the EU become even more competitive on the global stage.

Spajić: We can offer to Europe a possibility to get inexpensive electricity and stable supply

“We have dozens of amazing projects for hydro, wind, solar energy at very competitive rates. We can offer to Europe a possibility to get inexpensive electricity and stable supply. Baseload energy as well. For example, hydro is baseload energy,” he stated.

Photo: Bojan Gnjidić / Government of Montenegro

The prime minister recalled that his country is interconnected with Italy and that the project for the installation of the second line of the subsea cable is in the pipeline. But he also highlighted the significance of digital connections with Italy, where Milan is one of the biggest data center hubs in the EU, providing connections to Frankfurt and London.

Montenegro, in Spajić’s words, intends to be a part of the data highway. Data centers are basically the hardware for artificial intelligence, he explained and added that AI is going to be strong in big markets, not in small ones.

Partners from the US, UAE, and other countries, are interested in the development of the data centers

“But where we can actually be involved as a small country are data centers providing infrastructure for the EU’s AI to be strong and competitive,” Spajić underlined.

Therefore the country intends to focus on providing a very good environment for global data center operators, to come from all around the world. Spajić revealed that partners from the United States, United Arab Emirates, and other countries are interested in joining the opportunities for the development of the data centers.

“We want Montenegro to be the country of green data centers. We have water for hydropower. We have a lot of solar potential and a lot of wind. We are very fortunate to have such diversity,” Spajić said.

He invited investors to come to Montenegro: “Don’t waste your time, come as soon as possible.”

Participants at the panel included the Director of Enlargement Coordination, Strategy and Investments at the EU’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood, Mathieu Bousquet, WizzAir CEO József Váradi, Akuo President Eric Scotto, and Charlotte Ruhe, Managing Director for Central and South-Eastern Europe in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Of note, fourteen cooperation projects between Montenegrin and European companies have been initiated at the conference. Some of them involve investments in wind farms, solar parks, energy storage, and grids.

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
by in News

Šahmanović: Second submarine cable line with Italy to be installed by 2031

The second line of the submarine cable connecting Montenegro and Italy is expected to be completed by 2031, Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović said at the European Union – Montenegro Investment Conference.

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

Fourteen cooperation projects between Montenegrin and European companies have been initiated at the conference, including investments in wind farms, solar parks, energy storage, and grids. It shows the great significance of the energy sector for investments.

A panel called Renewables: Scaling Montenegro’s Energy Transition examined the possibilities for accelerating the country’s energy transition and enhancing the sector’s attractiveness for investment in renewables.

Šahmanović: Montenegro strives to position green energy as an export product

Prominent international experts and investors took part in the discussion. Representing the Government of Montenegro, Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović outlined the country’s renewable energy priorities and highlighted Montenegro’s role as a regional leader in clean energy.

Montenegro has fully harmonized its legislation with EU standards, creating a stable and predictable investment environment, in his words. Šahmanović highlighted the launch of the first solar power auction as a significant step forward in the development of renewables.

Photo: Đorđe Cmiljanić/Government of Montenegro

“The government invests in battery energy storage systems (BESS), ensuring the flexibility and stability of the grid. Montenegro strives to position green energy as a recognizable export product, thereby strengthening the country’s economic sustainability,” Šahmanović stated.

He revealed that Montenegro is about to sign a memorandum of understanding with Italy that would additionally position Montenegro as an energy bridge between the Western Balkans and the EU.

Montenegro is looking for strategic partners and investors ready to jointly implement capital projects in the energy sector

The government is wrapping up the work concerning the oil and gas sector to close chapter 15 in its accession negotiations with the EU, further strengthening investor trust, Šahmanović said.

“The implementation of the project for the construction of the second phase of the subsea cable link with Italy is expected by 2031, which will further strengthen Montenegro’s role in regional and European energy connectivity. Montenegro is looking for strategic partners and investors ready to jointly materialize capital projects in energy and contribute to regional energy stability,” the minister underlined. The investment is estimated at EUR 500 million, he asserted.

In a message to investors, Šahmanović said Montenegro is open for investments and added: “Now is the time for you to invest. We will be your service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Participants at the panel included Daniel Calderon, Alcazar Energy Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Yann Guinard, EDF Director of Development for Europe, Louis Blanchard, Qair Energy President, and Nemanja Mikać, ElevenEs CEO.

Memorandum with EDF

Admir Šahmanović and Yann Guinard (photo: Ministry of Energy and Mining)

Within the conference, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro and EDF International Networks signed a memorandum of understanding. It establishes a framework for future cooperation on modernizing the distribution network, digitizing smart grids, and integrating renewable energy sources, according to the ministry.

The memorandum foresees the implementation of pilot projects and feasibility studies that will contribute to the acceleration of the energy transition of Montenegro.

Admir Šahmanović said the deal is an important step towards strengthening green and innovative energy projects. Cooperation with EDF confirms the position of Montenegro as a country with a clear vision and open opportunities for investors, he underscored.

“EDF International Networks, as part of the global EDF Group, brings international expertise in the sector of power distribution, grid upgrade and digital transformation, which opens up space for new strategic partnerships and capital infrastructure projects,” the minister pointed out.

The memorandum confirmed the joint commitment to sustainability, integrity and energy security, with a clear focus on the well-being of citizens and the economy of Montenegro, the ministry said.

by in News

Alcazar Energy plans to boost its Montenegro investments to USD 500 million

Alcazar Energy intends to increase its investments in Montenegro from USD 200 million to USD 500 million, according to Co-Founder and Managing Partner Daniel Calderon.

Alcazar Energy is one of the companies with which Montenegro has signed memoranda of understanding on projects in the energy sector. It was done today at the EU-Montenegro Investment Conference in Luštica. The company recently began construction on the largest wind farm in the Western Balkans, located in North Macedonia.

Daniel Calderon, Alcazar Energy’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner, told Balkan Green Energy News that the construction of the Bijela wind farm is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The investment in the 118.8 MW wind farm is estimated at USD 200 million, he added.

Alcazar is currently preparing the land and conducting procurement for this major project, which represents the first part of its investment in Montenegro.

The investment in the Bijela wind farm is valued at USD 200 million

Alcazar has now signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Montenegro to increase investments from USD 200 million to USD 500 million.

The country’s leadership is creating a good and consistent climate for foreign investments, Calderon stressed.

The company, in his words, sees the potential for its investments to increase to USD 500 million over the next five years.

Alcazar estimates that investments in renewables in Montenegro could reach USD 4-5 billion by 2040, and would like to be a part of it. Its investments would be around 10% of that amount, representing the first investments in this large endeavour, Calderon underlined.

Several projects in Montenegro are being considered

When asked to elaborate on these new projects, he replied that the company is considering several projects, but that he cannot disclose any details at this time.

Today, Calderon was one of the speakers at a panel titled Renewables: Scaling Montenegro’s energy transition.

At the EU-Montenegro Investment Conference, a total of 14 joint projects between Montenegrin and European companies have been initiated, including investments in wind farms, solar parks, energy storage, and power grids.

Alcazar plays a significant role in the development of the renewable energy sector in MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey) and the Balkans, including through projects in Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia.

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