JERA, the largest energy trading company in Japan and a collaboration between the nation’s two foremost power utilities, has shown interest in investing in Montenegro. The company operates the Futtsu Thermal Power Station, which is one of the most environmentally advanced power plants globally, boasting a capacity of 5.16 GW across 21 units. This capacity is equivalent to five times Montenegro’s total annual electricity consumption and twenty times that of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant.

Currently, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić is on an official visit to Japan, where he is engaging with representatives from several major Japanese corporations to showcase Montenegro’s investment opportunities across different sectors.

During his visit, Prime Minister Spajić met with Yukio Kani, CEO of JERA, along with members of his team to discuss the potential of Montenegro’s energy sector.

“Energy represents our development opportunity. Hence, it is crucial to implement all potential projects with credible partners who will assist us in ensuring the sustainability, accessibility, and stability of the energy system,” emphasized the Prime Minister.

Kani shared insights about the company’s acquisitions globally, stressing the significance of energy interconnections with neighboring countries to maintain stability and balance of power. The JERA delegation expressed their willingness to explore opportunities in Montenegro and suggested the establishment of a joint working group to evaluate potential areas for collaboration.

Both parties concurred that legal compliance and transparency are vital foundations for any future cooperation, especially considering Montenegro’s strategic aim of joining the European Union in the near future.

The discussions underscored Montenegro’s potential to emerge as a regional leader in green energy production.

As part of the visit, Prime Minister Spajić and his team toured one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals located in Tokyo Bay, which is operated by JERA. The Futtsu facility, established four decades ago, adheres to rigorous environmental and safety standards, playing a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of Japan’s energy supply.

It was agreed that further technical discussions would be held with Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining to explore specific models for potential investment and collaboration in the country’s energy infrastructure.