Following the issuance of the operating permit by the relevant ministry, based on the technical inspection report prepared by the Institute for Development and Research in the Field of Occupational Safety d.o.o., Podgorica, the newly built 35/10 kV “Duklo” substation is being energised and gradually integrated into the 10 kV network.
In accordance with the spatial and urban development plan of the Municipality of Nikšić, the new 35/10 kV “Duklo” substation has been built in the former industrial centre, right next to the old facility of the same name, RP “Duklo”, which dates back to the 1980s, as do all the other 35/10 kV substations in the area. This investment, worth around EUR 2.5 million, will significantly improve the energy infrastructure of the entire Region 1, particularly in the Municipality of Nikšić, with the aim of enhancing reliability and ensuring a safe and high-quality electricity supply for customers in the area.
As the city of Nikšić developed, the number of customers grew, and so did electricity consumption. As the responsible distribution system operator, this made us aware of the need to build a new substation. Construction work on the substation began in 2023. The project also involved integrating it into the 35 kV and 10 kV networks, entailing extensive works and a lengthy, complex permitting process. As a result, although the facility and its primary electrical equipment were completed at the end of 2024, it is only now being commissioned and integrated into the 10 kV network.
The operating room houses a 35 kV switchgear assembly consisting of seven cells with a single busbar system, type UniGear ZS2, and a 10 kV switchgear assembly consisting of 20 cells, type ZS8.4, manufactured by the renowned global company ABB. The 35/10 kV transformers, rated at 8 MVA, are manufactured by ETRA of Slovenia.
Construction of this facility is crucial to meeting the current needs of the city of Nikšić, while also opening up opportunities for the city’s continued development. The new 35/10 kV “Duklo” substation will take over the now considerable load of Gornje Polje, Glibavac, Brezovik, the Mali Brezovik barracks, Vidrovan, Šipačno, Šume, Miločani, Jasenovo Polje, Ćemenci, Dragova Luka, Grebice, Kočani, Rastoci, the main water supply pumps of Vodovod Nikšić, the city dairy, the ŠIK Javorak Industrial Zone, etc., which were previously supplied from the 35/10 kV “Bistrica” substation. As can be seen, the construction of the new substation will relieve the 35/10 kV “Bistrica” substation, freeing up capacity to serve other parts of the city and providing them with a more stable electricity supply.
It is also important to note that a 35 kV cell remains available at this substation, allowing the 35 kV network to be extended in the Uzdomir area and the hinterland of Krupac and Viroštak, either to meet future demand or to connect renewable energy sources.
