By signing a Mandate Letter with representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, at a ceremony held today at the company’s premises, CEDIS received its first conceptual approval to negotiate the financing terms for projects in the field of “smart grids”. The implementation of “smart grids” in the electricity distribution system entails establishing a SCADA/ADMS system for the remote control of distribution substations (110/35kV, 110/20kV, 110/10 kV, 35/10 kV) throughout Montenegro, with an estimated value of EUR 25 million.
“The projects that CEDIS plans to implement are aligned with the ‘green agenda’ that is a focus of EBRD’s activities, which is why I believe our cooperation will be fruitful—not only on this project, but also on a number of other projects we have planned. We expect to sign a contract with a consultant for the SCADA system implementation project in the coming days. Since preparations have been under way intensively for some time, I also expect that the consultant will not need much time to take up the project and begin work,” said Vladimir Čađenović, Executive Director of CEDIS.
The implementation of the SCADA/ADMS system will enable efficient management of the electricity network based on real-time information about network processes, including visualisation of network processes and the ability to respond promptly in order to prevent overloading, thereby reducing the number of outages and ensuring a more reliable and higher-quality electricity supply for customers. Complete transparency regarding activity on the network will also enable significant savings by further reducing losses in the electricity distribution system. In addition, advanced electricity distribution network management systems provide essential support for the “green transition”, as they enable detailed information and efficient management of energy flows from renewable sources.
“This is the kind of project we want to see in Montenegro and the region. I need not emphasise the importance of energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources. It is very important for companies such as CEDIS to have the financial capacity to work directly with us, without state involvement in the form of guarantees. I believe this is an important step in our further cooperation,” said Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Director for the Western Balkans.
The project is planned to be implemented in phases, with the implementation of a central SCADA/ADMS system and the integration of 40 substations at 35/10kV and 110/35/10kV voltage levels covering the territory of Podgorica and the coastal municipalities.
The next phase would extend the project to the rest of Montenegro and include all facilities at 35/10kV and 110/35/10kV voltage levels. In the third phase, the implemented SCADA system would also integrate a number of 10/0.4 kV substations and 10kV switching devices.
The meeting was attended by CEDIS Board of Directors Chairman Rajko Radošević, Executive Director Vladimir Čađenović and his associates, EBRD Directors for Southeastern Europe and the Western Balkans Charlotte Ruhe and Matteo Colangeli, and Remon Zakaria, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Office in Montenegro.
