Montenegro’s transmission operator CGES will seek shareholder approval for grid-connection agreements covering the planned Sinjajevina 1 and Sinjajevina 2 wind projects, with combined capacity of approximately 402.6 MW. An extraordinary shareholders’ meeting is scheduled, when shareholders will consider agreements concerning the construction of connection infrastructure for the two projects. Sinjajevina 1 is planned with capacity of about 112.2 MW, while Sinjajevina 2 is designed for approximately 290.4 MW.
Both projects have already obtained environmental approvals, with development now focused on grid connection, transmission capacity and project execution. The shareholder resolution requires a two-thirds majority of all voting shares. The Montenegrin state holds approximately 55.38% of CGES, while Terna owns 22.09% and Serbia’s EMS holds 15%. The state therefore cannot reach the required voting threshold on its own, making the support of at least one major strategic shareholder necessary.
Terna is Montenegro’s partner in the undersea electricity interconnector with Italy, while EMS operates Serbia’s transmission network and has a role in regional electricity flows. The ownership structure therefore links the decision to wider regional transmission and cross-border electricity developments.
More than 400 MW of additional wind capacity from Sinjajevina would represent a significant increase for Montenegro’s power system. The projects could generate substantial electricity exports during periods of strong wind production, particularly with additional cross-border transmission capacity. Higher wind penetration would also increase requirements for balancing and system flexibility because wind generation can change rapidly. The system would need sufficient reserves, storage or flexible generation to compensate for fluctuations.
Montenegro’s large hydropower facilities provide balancing capacity, while battery storage is becoming increasingly relevant as the renewable pipeline expands. Combining wind generation with hydropower and storage could support the integration of additional variable renewable production while limiting curtailment and supporting system stability. Transmission capacity remains a key requirement for projects in northern and central Montenegro, where new generation must be transported toward domestic consumption centres and export corridors.
Network congestion could restrict electricity flows, reduce project economics and create periods when renewable generation has to be curtailed. For developers, a grid-connection agreement represents a major bankability milestone. Environmental approval alone does not provide sufficient certainty for financing without clarity over connection costs, construction responsibilities, schedules and available transmission capacity. The CGES decision could provide that additional certainty for the Sinjajevina projects.
Montenegro is also preparing for deeper integration with European electricity markets, while EU accession and closer alignment with regional market-coupling rules could expand opportunities for renewable producers to sell electricity across borders. The Italy interconnector provides an additional route toward the EU electricity market. This could increase the commercial value of large wind projects where electricity is supported by verifiable renewable attributes and long-term commercial contracts.
At the same time, the scale of proposed generation creates additional requirements for CGES. The transmission operator must expand infrastructure in line with generation growth while avoiding excessive network investment and the transfer of disproportionate costs to consumers. Sinjajevina therefore forms part of a wider CGES investment cycle covering grid reinforcement, digitalisation, cross-border capacity and renewable integration. The planned 402.6 MW of wind capacity would add another substantial transmission requirement as Montenegro’s renewable generation pipeline expands.
