The 12th Conference on Electricity Distribution Networks – CIRED was officially opened last night in Vrnjačka Banja. More than 30 engineers from the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System are taking part in the conference.
The region’s largest power industry gathering, bringing together more than 900 participants from 40 countries, was opened by Dr Zoran Simendić, President of CIRED Serbia, which is also hosting the conference.
Thanking the large number of participants and exhibitors, Simendić recalled that the international exchange of information, knowledge and experience in the power industry is invaluable for the further development of distribution networks.
“This year we have more than 40 exhibitors presenting the latest advances in electricity distribution at their stands, which is a great achievement given that last year’s CORONA virus pandemic inevitably affected developments in this field,” Simendić said.
Rajko Radošević, President of the Board of Directors of the Montenegrin Electricity Distribution System, highlighted the importance of such professional gatherings, where answers are found to many questions in our field, and also emphasised the value of exchanging experience as key to achieving the goals that have been set.
“Electricity distribution companies, like other segments of the energy sector, are at a serious crossroads and facing major challenges. The energy transition from traditional energy sources to renewables, and the demands imposed by the transport sector in connection with electric cars, make our role in this process extremely important. We must also bear in mind the growing and legitimate demands of customers for a reliable, high-quality electricity supply,” Radošević said.
At the official opening, a certificate of appreciation was also presented to the conference’s General Patron, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore.
EPCG Executive Director Nikola Rovčanin, highlighting the many challenges involved in the energy sector’s transition, mentioned the most important projects launched by Montenegro’s national energy company to keep pace with modern trends.
“EPCG is gaining momentum in green energy projects. I will mention Solari 3000+ and Solari 500+, through which three thousand citizens and five hundred entrepreneurs will install solar panels under favourable terms, becoming both producers and consumers of energy that they will exchange within the system. We are also working on a floating power plant project on Lake Slano near Nikšić, with a capacity of 50 MWh. The HE Komarnica project, being developed with Serbia, and HE Sutorina with Republika Srpska are also moving forward. Elektroprivreda has launched all these projects to keep pace with the energy transition towards renewable sources. Given the intention to reduce the use of thermal power sources, it is likely that the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant will cease operations by 2030,” Rovčanin concluded.
Dr Velimir Strugar, President of the CIRED Montenegro Committee, said that the distribution network is undergoing a paradigm shift.
“It is no longer passive, but full of new challenges that we are now addressing—opportunities we did not have before. Technology is advancing, and we are ready to take on these new challenges and new smart technologies,” Strugar emphasised.
In recognition of his special contribution to the development of electricity distribution and cooperation between CIRED Montenegro and CIRED Serbia, Strugar was presented with a special award at the conference.
It was also announced at the gathering that the conference would focus on key topics, including how to establish a legal framework for the transition from conventional to green energy sources. Cooperation between countries is key to this effort.
At the end of the opening ceremony of the 12th Conference on Electricity Distribution Networks – CIRED, certificates of appreciation were presented to the sponsors. The conference continues today.
