Three Essential Strategic Policies Enacted by EPCG
Milutin Đukanović, Photo: EPCG
Elektroprivreda (EPCG) is currently implementing three key strategic policies: producing energy at the point of consumption, utilizing existing hydropower infrastructure to integrate solar power plants, and advancing battery systems for energy storage. This was announced by Milutin Đukanović, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
According to Đukanović, “The ‘produce where you consume’ strategy is the cornerstone of the energy transition. The existing hydro infrastructure supports technical and meteorological compatibility for the integration of solar power plants. However, this all hinges on the robust development of battery systems.” His remarks were made during the EPCG NET symposium held in Budva.
This event was organized by EPCG and its partners.
EPCG announced that by the end of the year, the Gvozd Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 55 megawatts (MW) and an investment of EUR 82 million backed by KfW bank, will enter trial operations. Construction for Gvozd 2, which will have a capacity of 21–22 MW, is set to begin early next year.
On Friday, it was announced that the public call for the installation of the eighth generator at Perućica HPP, with a capacity of 58 MW, has concluded, with operations expected to start in 2027.
Đukanović noted that the 3000+ project has successfully completed with 35 MW of solar capacity across 3500 facilities, while the 5000+ project is halfway to completion with 40 MW and over four thousand consumers engaged. The 10,000+ project is anticipated to commence in the middle of next year.
Plans are underway for several solar power plants, including Krupac (50 MW), Štedim (150 MW), four plants at Kapino Polje totaling 50 MW, and facilities in Željezara, where 10 MW of the planned 30 MW has already been installed.
According to Đukanović, “The first public call for battery system procurement will be announced shortly, featuring two systems of 30 MW (120 MWh) each. By the end of 2027, EPCG intends to deploy a total of five such systems with a combined capacity of 600 MWh.”
Additionally, Đukanović revealed plans for a public tender for the construction of a tunnel linking the Krupac and Slano reservoirs, at a cost of EUR 12 million, as part of a broader initiative to maximize the potential of the waters in the Nikšić Field.
There are also plans to capitalize on Lake Liverovići and groundwater resources in Nikšićko polje, with total investments potentially exceeding one billion EUR and the possibility of generating 700 MW of new capacity.
“The energy transition presents a significant opportunity for development, but it also poses serious threats if risks are overlooked. We must act swiftly,” Đukanović urged, encouraging forum participants to focus conversations on concrete solutions and provide constructive criticism and suggestions for enhancing current policies.
The EPCG NET Forum convened numerous experts, investors, and representatives from energy institutions across the region and Europe to address critical issues concerning sustainable energy and energy security.
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