Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) is currently focusing on three strategic policies: producing energy at the point of consumption, integrating solar power plants with existing hydroelectric infrastructure, and developing battery energy storage systems, said EPCG Board Chairman Milutin Đukanović at the recent “EPCG NET” symposium in Budva.
Đukanović announced a public tender for constructing a tunnel connecting the Krupac and Slano reservoirs, valued at 12 million euros, as part of the wider development of the Nikšić field water resources.
Plans also include developing Lake Liverovići and underground waters in the Nikšić area, with investments potentially exceeding one billion euros and creating up to 700 MW of new capacity.
He emphasized that energy transition is both a great opportunity and a serious risk if delayed, urging immediate action and concrete solutions.
Đukanović highlighted that producing energy where it is consumed is a key success factor, and that hydro infrastructure enables technical compatibility with solar plants, which must be complemented by strong battery storage development.
By the end of this year, EPCG expects to commission the 55 MW Gvozd wind farm, built with an 82 million euro investment supported by KfW Bank. Construction of Gvozd 2 (21–22 MW) is planned for early next year.
The installation of the 58 MW eighth turbine at Perućica hydropower plant is complete, with operation expected in 2027.
The solar projects Solari 3000+ (35 MW on 3,500 sites) and 5000+ (over 40 MW on 4,000 users) are underway, with the 10,000+ project set to start mid-next year.
EPCG is preparing multiple new solar plants: Krupac (50 MW), Štedim (150 MW), four plants at Kapino field (total 50 MW), and solar facilities at Željezara, where 10 MW are already installed out of a planned 30 MW.
A public tender for two battery systems of 30 MW each (total 120 MWh) will be launched soon, with a goal to deploy five such systems totaling 600 MWh by the end of 2027.