Strengthening transmission infrastructure, aligning with European regulations, and improving regional coordination are key to ensuring the security, stability, and resilience of Montenegro’s and the region’s power systems.
This was highlighted during the panel “Modern Challenges in the Operation of Power Systems: Ensuring Stability, Flexibility, and Resilience,” held at the IX Conference of the Montenegrin Committee of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CG KO CIGRE).
Ranko Redžić, Director of the National Dispatch Center at the Montenegrin Electric Transmission System (CGES), emphasized that countries in the region and all operators should accelerate the adoption of European regulations and enhance system coordination to avoid disruptions similar to those seen in the past.
“Such disruptions can never be fully prevented, but risks can be significantly reduced, and cooperation improved,” Redžić explained. He added that the green transition requires a much stronger and more modern network.
“Infrastructure must be expanded and reinforced, as it is a prerequisite for connecting renewable sources and ensuring secure supply for consumers, both in the region and across Europe,” he said.
Speaking about CGES projects, Redžić noted that the company is completing two major projects of regional importance this year: the 150-kilometer Lastva–Pljevlja transmission line and the installation of a 250 MW reactor at the Lastva substation, which will improve regulation and reduce excessive system voltage.
He also announced new investments, including strengthening the 220 kV network from Bosnia to Albania, connecting with Serbia via the Pljevlja–Bajina Bašta transmission line, linking with Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Brezna–Sarajevo project, and building the Brezna substation.
“This will enable the connection of many new sources, not only renewables but also conventional power plants, such as hydro or gas facilities,” Redžić said.
He stressed CGES’s focus on cybersecurity, announcing the procurement of a new SCADA system protected at the highest currently available level. He also underlined the importance of regular maintenance of transmission line routes to reduce the risk of fires and other incidents.
“This is not only a matter for CGES but one of national importance. Our task is to regularly maintain the lines and prevent events that could endanger the system,” he concluded.
Miloš Đurđević, Head of Data Quality and Analytics at the Security Coordination Center (SCC d.o.o.) in Belgrade, explained that his company works on coordinated operation of transmission system operators, with planning horizons ranging from a year ahead to intra-day planning, done about eight hours before real time.
“Coordinated capacity calculation was one of the main topics of this panel. Unfortunately, our region still lacks an adequate calculation system, and time has shown that improvements in this area are necessary,” Đurđević said.
Speaking on regulation, he emphasized that harmonization is essential. “The framework is practically transposed from the EU, and it is up to national regulators to adopt it with minor adjustments. Our company is ready to assist operators in implementation and execution,” he stated.
He reminded that regional cooperation has been ongoing for a decade and is constantly improving. “For ten years, coordination has worked at a high level and continues to record progress. I see no obstacles, only room for further advancement, especially as new requirements are placed on transmission system operators. These demands are passed on to regional security coordinators, and so far all have been successfully implemented. I believe this will continue without problems,” Đurđević said.
Other speakers included Elio Voshtina (OST), Bojan Rebić (NOS BiH), and Slobodan Marković (EKC).
The main sponsor of the IX Conference was Hitachi Energy.
