EBRD helping Montenegro’s energy sector to invest in digitalisation

This article is brought to you in association with EBRD.

• EBRD lending up to €35 million to CEDIS
• Funding will be used to introduce SCADA and ADMS systems and procure smart meters
• Project will reduce technical losses by 10 per cent

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to €35 million to Crnogorski Elektrodistributivni Sistem (CEDIS) to support the development of Montenegro’s energy sector. This will be used to finance the implementation of a new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and an advanced distribution management system (ADMS), as well as the procurement of new smart meters. The project is also aiming to benefit from a grant under the European Union’s Western Balkans Investment Framework. CEDIS owns and operates power distribution networks of up to 35 kV in Montenegro and is fully owned by Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG).

The SCADA system will be used to monitor and control medium-voltage grid networks in real time, while an ADMS is an advanced platform that optimises the management and operation of an electricity distribution system. Smart meters help users and utility companies to monitor and manage electricity usage more efficiently, reducing losses and improving reliability.

This project will, among other benefits, reduce technical losses by 10 per cent, reduce grid outages to approximately one-sixth of the current level, allow new renewable energy sources to be integrated into the grid and enhance cyber security. The replacement of CEDIS’s legacy distribution management system will ultimately result in improved quality of life for the people of Montenegro and optimise CEDIS’s operations. The project will also support the rollout of smart meters in line with EU and Energy Community standards.

The loan agreement was signed by Remon Zakaria, the EBRD’s Head of Montenegro, Vladimir Ivanović, the CEO of CEDIS, and Ivan Bulatović from EPCG.

Remon Zakaria said: “This project represents a transformative step towards the digitalisation of the electricity distribution system in Montenegro, helping to enhance its reliability and efficiency and paving the way for the integration of renewable energy. Montenegrin citizens will experience a more reliable electricity supply, while CEDIS will achieve substantial reductions in technical losses and gain the advanced capabilities required to swiftly detect and address technical faults.”

Vladimir Ivanović said: “This significant investment underscores our dedication to advancing Montenegro’s energy infrastructure and aligning it with contemporary technological and environmental standards. The SCADA and ADMS systems will revolutionise the way we manage and operate the distribution network, enabling us to enhance the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply while reducing energy losses and improving service quality for our citizens. In addition, the integration of smart meters will empower consumers to better understand and optimise their energy usage, contributing to greater energy efficiency across the network. This project not only strengthens CEDIS’s operational capabilities, but also supports Montenegro’s broader energy transition objectives by enabling the integration of renewable energy sources and aligning with EU green energy standards. We greatly value our strong and productive collaboration with the EBRD, whose support has been instrumental in helping us achieve these strategic milestones. Together, we are setting a benchmark for modern energy solutions and laying the foundations for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”

Since Montenegro joined the EBRD in 2006, the Bank has invested €908 million in the country through 95 projects. The Bank’s priorities for Montenegro are competitiveness, the green transition and further integration into regional and global markets.