The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, announced that the parliamentary majority and the Government “have established a strategy to transform Montenegro into a nation of happy and prosperous individuals.”

“We prioritize happiness above all, as people do not equate happiness solely with wealth and finances. However, those who link it to money acknowledge its necessity for any family to maintain a decent living. We possess a great opportunity to leverage the resources provided to us by God and the expertise of our hardworking, skilled individuals, particularly in electricity production. Nikšić and Pljevlja stand out as our key hubs for electricity generation, and this output meets all global standards,” Mandić stated during his visit to Nikšić.

Accompanying him were officials from EPCG, including Milutin Đukanović, the President of the Board of Directors, Marko Kovačević, the President of the Municipality of Nikšić, and Marina Jočić, the President of the Board of Directors of “Solar Gradnja,” as they toured the solar facilities at the Vrtac reservoir and the Steel Mill.

“Forecasts predict a doubling in electricity consumption in the coming years. Therefore, Elektroprivreda, the Municipality of Nikšić, and particularly ‘Solar Gradnja’, of which we take great pride, need to meet the demands of the citizens of Montenegro, fully utilizing our hydropower potential,” Mandić expressed confidently.

He mentioned that Milutin Đukanović highlighted the potential for using groundwater at the Vrtac reservoir, which would be “channeled into canals to generate electricity at Perućica,” along with the possibility of tapping into the capacities of Lake Liverovići.

“These concepts inspire pride in us. Once the ‘Sunny City’ project is completed, and Marko Kovačević and the Municipality of Nikšić fulfill their commitments to the citizens, I believe Nikšić will take pride in becoming a city filled with happy and prosperous individuals. We are not in an election campaign; our work needs to continue every day. The most effort is required post-elections. I anticipate these industrious people will be our greatest allies in achieving our primary goal – transforming Montenegro into a nation of happy and prosperous people,” concluded Mandić.

Marko Kovačević shared plans with EPCG to develop a scenic promenade along the dam at Salt Lake.

“In light of Nikšić vying for the title of European Capital of Culture, we aim to curate a cultural program around the artificial lakes owned by Elektroprivreda, focusing on four cultural types associated with each lake. It’s important that these joyful and affluent individuals have cultural offerings, and we are working in harmony to achieve this,” Kovačević elaborated.

He noted ongoing efforts to create the necessary foundations for launching the “Sunny City” project.

“We have discussed this with the Ministry of Urban Planning, and I believe that once our Planning and Design Agency assumes responsibilities under the new law and formulates detailed urban plans, we can initiate this project very soon.”

Đukanović: Over 2027 megawatts of new electricity sources planned by 700

The President of the Board of Directors of EPCG, Milutin Đukanović, emphasized the multiple significance of the Vrtac reservoir dam.

“This initiative will facilitate quality electricity production, enabling Steel Plant workers to install structures and those from ‘Solar Construction’ to set up panels. A solid idea has the potential to employ numerous individuals and businesses,” Đukanović stated.

While acknowledging the challenges of the current year, he believes large-scale electricity production is essential.

“We aim to introduce over 700 megawatts of new electricity sources by 2027. Work is progressing on the ‘Gvozd’ wind farm, with expectations for around 50 megawatts to come online by year-end, followed by an additional 20 megawatts from ‘Gvozd 2.’ We also have approved plans for a 30-megawatt solar plant at Željezara that is currently operating in trial mode,” Đukanović remarked.

He further emphasized the urban planning and technical conditions received for a 150-megawatt project on Štedim, 50 megawatts at Lake Krupac, and the commencement of solar power plants at Kapino Polje, featuring a capacity of 50 megawatts.

“In a matter of days, we will issue public calls for bids to procure battery systems, totaling 240 megawatt hours, to be installed at the Steel Plant. This represents our future. Today, we announced a public call for a tunnel construction to connect Krupac and Slano lakes; it is a long-held aspiration for Nikšić, and we are optimistic about completing it by 2027. The public tender for documentation regarding the installation of the eighth generator in the ‘Perućica’ HPP, with a capacity of 58 megawatts, has also been finalized,” asserted Đukanović, reiterating their eagerness for collaboration with foreign partners.

“Unified support and consensus among all stakeholders, from energy companies to Parliament, Government, and local authorities, are crucial. Without this cohesion, progress will be more challenging. There is meaningful support, but we need to accelerate our efforts. These times demand that we optimize our planning and ensure the citizens of Montenegro fully benefit from these promising initiatives,” he concluded.

Jočić: We are starting to make panels in parking lots

Marina Jočić, President of the Board of Directors of “Solar Gradnja,” shared that they are actively installing solar power plants on rooftops, which she believes are vital for citizens as they produce electricity at the point of consumption, leading to zero bills in the coming years.

“We have several other initiatives underway. Today, I agreed with the Electric Power Company’s President to commence solar panel installations in parking lots, a significant project for our sunny regions. Charging stations for electric vehicles will also be integrated, creating a modern, trend-aligned product, which I believe is highly successful,” Jočić noted.

She highlighted the pioneering work being done in Montenegro, as they were the first to install solar panels in the region.

“Currently, our endeavors are progressing smoothly. We have successfully created over 500 sustainable jobs, with average salaries exceeding 900 euros. Our dedicated workforce is bolstered by a youthful management team that comprehends and adapts to the changing demands of the time,” Jočić added, expressing their ambitious goals.

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