EBRD Provides €35 Million Loan to Support Montenegro’s Energy Infrastructure Upgrade with SCADA, ADMS, and Smart Meters
(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a €35 million loan to Crnogorski Elektrodistributivni Sistem (CEDIS) to enhance Montenegro’s energy infrastructure. The funding will be used to introduce advanced SCADA and ADMS systems, along with the procurement of smart meters, to improve the monitoring, management, and efficiency of the electricity distribution network. The project is set to reduce technical losses by 10%, significantly decrease grid outages, integrate renewable energy sources, and strengthen cybersecurity. This initiative aligns with EU standards and supports Montenegro’s broader energy transition goals. The partnership between EBRD and CEDIS is pivotal in modernizing the country’s energy sector.
(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 28-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a loan of up to €35 million to Crnogorski Elektrodistributivni Sistem (CEDIS), a key player in Montenegro’s energy sector, to support the implementation of critical technological upgrades. The funds will be used to introduce an advanced supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, an advanced distribution management system (ADMS), and to procure smart meters. This initiative is also expected to receive support from a grant under the European Union’s Western Balkans Investment Framework.
The newly introduced SCADA system will allow real-time monitoring and control of medium-voltage grid networks, while the ADMS will optimize the management of the electricity distribution system. Smart meters will facilitate more efficient management of electricity consumption, benefiting both consumers and utility providers by reducing losses and increasing the reliability of the grid.
This project aims to achieve multiple key objectives, including a 10% reduction in technical losses, a significant decrease in grid outages (to approximately one-sixth of current levels), the integration of new renewable energy sources into the grid, and improvements in cybersecurity. By replacing CEDIS’s outdated distribution management system, the project will enhance the quality of life for citizens of Montenegro and improve operational efficiency for CEDIS. The initiative also ensures alignment with EU and Energy Community standards regarding smart meter deployment.
The loan agreement was signed by Remon Zakaria, the EBRD’s Head of Montenegro, Vladimir Ivanović, CEO of CEDIS, and Ivan Bulatović from Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG).
Remon Zakaria highlighted the transformative impact of the project, stating, “This is a major step forward in the digitalisation of Montenegro’s electricity distribution system, improving reliability, efficiency, and laying the groundwork for the integration of renewable energy sources. Montenegrins will benefit from a more reliable electricity supply, while CEDIS will drastically reduce technical losses and gain the advanced tools needed to efficiently address faults.”
Vladimir Ivanović added, “This investment demonstrates our commitment to advancing Montenegro’s energy infrastructure, aligning with global technological and environmental standards. The integration of SCADA, ADMS, and smart meters will revolutionize how we manage the network, enhancing reliability and service quality, while also supporting the integration of renewable energy and meeting EU green energy standards. Our partnership with the EBRD is pivotal in achieving these objectives, and together we are setting the stage for a sustainable, resilient energy future.”
Since becoming a member in 2006, the EBRD has invested €908 million in Montenegro through 95 projects, focusing on enhancing competitiveness, supporting the green transition, and fostering deeper integration into regional and global markets.
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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.
