Montenegro is currently implementing the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System) projects, aimed at enhancing the reliability and quality of electricity supply, reducing network losses, and improving overall service for consumers. This follows years of preparation, as announced by the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System (CEDIS).
These systems enable remote control and monitoring of the network, including all substations, from a central Dispatch Center. “The implementation of SCADA and ADMS represents a crucial step toward modernizing the electricity distribution network. SCADA allows for remote control, monitoring, and automation of electricity distribution, while ADMS includes energy flow management and the integration of renewable energy sources,” CEDIS stated.
Together, these systems significantly improve the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the power grid. Planning for SCADA implementation in Montenegro began in 2010, focusing on addressing key issues such as high technical losses and limited management capabilities. Due to the project’s complexity, progress was slow until recently.
CEDIS highlighted that activities to realize this project intensified in 2021. “The Energy Regulatory Agency approved the investment in early 2022, and with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), significant progress has been made over the past two years, culminating in the signing of the financing agreement for this project on January 27 of this year,” the statement noted.
SCADA and ADMS systems enable real-time data collection from all critical parts of the network, automatic fault identification, and faster restoration of power supply to consumers. This resource management reduces outage times for electricity users.
The importance of SCADA was demonstrated in 2023 when the Montenegrin Transmission System (CGES) implemented the system in 16 substations, enabling remote monitoring and control of 35 kV lines owned by CEDIS. “The initial benefits are already visible, particularly in improving the reliability of electricity distribution. Additionally, the foundations for further digitalization and automation of the network have been laid,” CEDIS said.
ADMS is a software solution that allows centralized management of electricity distribution systems. Its key functionalities include optimal energy management, providing tools for network optimization, more efficient operations, and loss reduction. It also enables simulation of various scenarios, decision-making support, and integration of renewable energy sources. ADMS monitors the network in real time, reducing the risk of failures and outages.
CEDIS explained that the benefits of this system for citizens include operators having detailed insights into the network’s status and the ability to make quick decisions, as well as automation reducing the need for manual interventions. “The stability of the network increases, and the likelihood of power supply interruptions decreases. In line with the Government’s policy goals, this system supports sustainable development through better management of renewable energy sources,” CEDIS stated.
The implementation of the SCADA and ADMS systems, financed through the EBRD, includes the preparation of technical documentation and the publication of an international tender. CEDIS, in collaboration with the EBRD, has already developed detailed technical specifications for the equipment and software. The tender for equipment and services will be announced internationally, with decisions and further procedures following EBRD rules.
CEDIS’s 20 kV and 35 kV maintenance sector is involved in an investment project titled “Preparation of Substations for SCADA System Implementation.” This project is being carried out in three phases, with the first phase successfully completed. It included modernization works on the electricity distribution infrastructure, such as replacing outdated equipment, reconstructing secondary connections, and installing new protection and management systems. This phase covered 21 substations, with a total investment value exceeding €1.2 million.
The second phase involves the continued modernization of 19 substations. Work on five substations included replacing switches, microprocessor protection relays, and outdated current and voltage transformers, with a total investment of nearly €140,000. “Work on two substations was completed in 2023 as part of the Maintenance Project,” CEDIS said.
Work on ten substations in the second phase, with an estimated value of over €1.5 million, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Preparations for the remaining two substations for SCADA implementation will be carried out through an investment project for their reconstruction.
CEDIS announced that activities under the third phase, covering 20 substations, are planned for next year. “The estimated value of materials and equipment for this project is around €2.2 million, highlighting the complexity of the project and the scale of activities CEDIS is undertaking to implement SCADA and ADMS systems,” the statement concluded.
