PM Marković: After installation of submarine cable, possibility of electricity shortages disappears, CEDIS task is to provide every house in Montenegro with electricity

Podgorica, Montenegro (18 December 2019) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković stated earlier today that our Montenegrin citizens no longer have to deal with electricity shortages and market disruptions because the connection of submarine cable with Italy and the construction, made the reason of real and artificial shortages to disappear.

"At the first annual cross-border transmission capacity auction between Montenegro and Italy, held last Sunday, Montenegro's electricity transmission system generated almost EUR 3 million in revenue, for only 70 of the total 200 MW of associated transmission capacity. This phenomenal financial result is just an illustration of the value that we have been creating in the domestic energy sector, in recent years. So, the fact that Montenegro has gained a strong and direct connection with the Western European energy market is more important than the current good earnings. So the message is clear - there is no development in an isolated national frameworks. Particularly not for a small country in the Balkans. Being part of the European energy chain is no longer our ambition but a reality. As of this moment, Montenegro has no more fears of disruption in the energy market of the Southeast Europe. The risk of real and artificial shortages has been virtually eliminated through linkage to the European energy market. However, besides the fascinating data of almost EUR one billion project worth, which Montenegro successfully implemented in partnership with the Italy - based company Terna, the proven ability of our CGES, especially looks forward. They are a confirmation of the local profession and knowledge, ready to equally compete with the European giants," Prime Minister Duško Marković stated during a Prime Minister's hour answering the question of Filip Vuković from the Democratic Party of Socialists about the state of our energy policy.

The Prime Minister noted that only the electricity sources, set up this year, will produce 10% of electricity, and that the five-year investment plan of EPCG amounts to EUR 700 million.

There are reconstructions of existing facilities, but more importantly new projects, such as the Briska gora solar power plant, the Gvozd wind farm, the Komarnica hydroelectric power plant, an additional aggregate at Perućica, and there are new plans for Kruševo, for example ... In parallel, an investor was selected for a new wind farm in Brajići, an investment worth around EUR 100 million, and tenders for the lease of state land for a construction of additional solar power plants are under preparation. All this is accomplished without a cent of financial incentive. Therefore, the calls we issued in the mandate of this Government do not contain either premiums or guaranteed incentive prices. Montenegrins energy has matured to a level where we reach a reputable partner and investors, on purely market principles. In this regard, energy will be one of the drivers of even more dynamic growth of our economy. Today, this area offers young people quality and attractive jobs in the profession. An activity that drives other development perspectives with its strong investment cycle,” the Prime Minister stressed.

The Prime Minister noted that he wants everyone in the decision-making process - from the Government and the Ministry of Economy, to the EPCG and its companies, to be at the height of the task in order to receive quality service for citizens.


"That is why it is especially important for CEDIS to make rapid and effective progress in the venture we have jointly initiated - the intensive revitalization of the distribution network. It started from the north and the rural areas, but we are witnesses that the quality of the power supply is not optimal either in suburban settlements or even in some urban centers. Already invested EUR 80 million for this purpose, will not be the end of this process. This must and will be the program for the coming years, until every Montenegrin household and every business entity receives a European energy quality. I will tell you from here - the CEDIS task is to get electricity to every house, in the village or mountain, where even it lives periodically. And because of that individual and family, but also because of the message - that others should stay on their estates and come back to them. This is one of the humane dimensions of regional development," Prime Minister Duško Marković stated.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO

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