The Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System has successfully completed construction of the new 35/10 kV “Bigova” substation, including its integration into the 35 kV and 10 kV networks. This major investment, worth close to €2.9 million, is expected to be commissioned in September. Its commissioning will significantly improve the reliability and quality of supply for consumers in Donji Grbalj and create the conditions for economic and tourism development in this part of the Municipality of Kotor.
Vojislav Vukadinović, CEDIS Development and Investment Coordinator, notes that the “Bigova” substation is important for improving electricity supply to part of the coast where several attractive locations are situated. The substation, he said, is being prepared for technical acceptance.
“We expect it to be connected to the grid during September. The entire Donji Grbalj area will soon experience an improvement in supply and voltage quality. The financial structure comprises the contracted value of the facility and equipment, approximately €1.9 million; land purchased from the Municipality of Kotor for €70,000; and cable infrastructure worth approximately €900,000,” Vukadinović said, adding: “Once the substation is commissioned, we will also integrate the 10 kV network and connect the “Bigova” substation to the “Grbalj 2” substation, which was recently commissioned.”
SPATIAL PLAN COMPLIANCE
The project was implemented in full compliance with the Special Purpose Spatial Plan for the Coastal Zone of Montenegro and the Spatial-Urban Plan of Kotor, providing a good example of cooperation between municipal and state institutions and CEDIS as the investor. The main contractor is “Electro team” d.o.o. Budva, together with its subcontractors.
The new substation in Glavatičići is equipped with state-of-the-art control and protection technology. In the first phase, two 2×4 MVA power transformers were installed, while the facility’s design, with switchgear comprising seven bays at 35 kV and as many as 21 bays at 10 kV, allows for a doubling of capacity (2×8 MVA) in the next development phase.
Integration into the power grid was carried out in phases. As part of the associated works, the investor, “Bigova Bay ID”, has already built a 35 kV cable line from the “Grbalj” substation to the “Bigova” substation, as well as a shared section of the route for the future line to “Pržno”, which CEDIS will construct. The 10 kV network will also be integrated when the substation is energized.
In addition to stabilizing the network for existing consumers, the “Bigova” substation will directly drive the region’s economic progress. Four dedicated 10 kV cable lines are planned from the facility to supply the future exclusive tourist complex “Bigova Bay”. At the same time, the technical conditions are being created for construction of the new 10 kV “Bigova–Glavatičići” overhead line, permanently eliminating the problem of single-sided supply and making it possible to electrify the remaining, currently unelectrified part of this attractive coastline.
TOURISM SIGNIFICANCE
Construction of the 35/10 kV “Tri Krsta” substation in Trašte Bay, in Radovići near Tivat, has been successfully completed. The project, worth approximately €1.8 million, was carried out as part of CEDIS’s intensive investment programme on the primary network.
Following completion of the civil engineering and electrical installation works, all technical conditions have been met for the safe and functional commissioning of the facility, enabling a stable and high-quality electricity supply to this part of the Bay of Kotor. Vanja Maksimović, Development and Investment Coordinator, says that the substation underwent intensive testing in order to obtain its operating permit.
“Preparations are under way for the required documentation for laying cables to the “Klinci” and “Pržno” substations, which will connect this 2×8 MVA substation to a unified 35 kV network. As far as CEDIS is concerned, all the conditions are in place to support intensive tourism development in this area,” Maksimović said.
Once the “Tri Krsta” substation is commissioned and integrated into the existing 35 kV and 10 kV networks, the reliability and quality of electricity supply will improve in the Municipality of Tivat, with particular emphasis on tourism development on the Luštica Peninsula, including the Luštica Bay complex.
“Its location is highly significant, as this area is designated for intensive tourism development. There are also many settlements nearby that will benefit from the construction of this substation. It is important to note that the “Tri Krsta” substation is just one in a series of investments initiated by CEDIS,” Maksimović said, noting that the 35/10 kV “Duklo” substation in Nikšić and the 35/10 kV “Grbalj 2” substation were recently commissioned; the 35/10 kV “Bigova” substation has been completed; a contractor has been selected for the 35/10 kV “Tivat 3” substation; and construction is under way in Pljevlja on the 35/10 kV “Volođa” substation and the 35/10 kV “Zeta” substation. Each is worth an average of €2 million.
The “Tri Krsta” substation is fully ready for integration into the system, taking on load and stabilizing voltage in this part of the coast.
