As the public is already well aware, Crnogorski elektrodistributivni sistem – CEDIS has launched one of the most significant infrastructure projects in its history: modernising its electricity distribution network monitoring and control system by introducing an advanced ADMS/SCADA system and modern telecommunications infrastructure. Since signing the loan agreement with the EBRD to implement the CEDIS SCADA – Smart digitalization project, CEDIS has regularly informed the public of the steps taken towards implementing this project, worth EUR 35 million, which represents a key step towards the digital transformation and modernisation of Montenegro’s electricity distribution network. The EBRD has approved grant funding of EUR 5 million for the project, reducing the final loan amount to EUR 30 million.
In line with the above, at the end of December last year, Crnogorski elektrodistributivni sistem published an international tender to select the contractor offering the most advantageous bid for the implementation of the SCADA/ADMS Project – Phase 1. Bids were received on 16 March this year. As the tender is being conducted in accordance with the EBRD’s multi-stage procedure, the first phase of the tender process, which involves qualification assessment, is currently under way. In this phase, bidders are assessed to determine whether they meet the minimum requirements, including technical experience on similar projects, financial stability, staffing capacity and references. Bidders who successfully pass this phase will be invited to submit detailed technical bids together with the financial component in the second phase. The entire process is expected to be completed over the next few months, after which a contract will be signed with the bidder offering the most advantageous proposal.
The following activities will be carried out in the first phase of the project: establishing a primary and backup data centre with high availability and capacity for the further development of the System; implementing an advanced ADMS/SCADA software solution that enables centralised real-time monitoring and control of the network; automating main and primary substations (110/35(10) kV and 35/10 kV) through the installation of modern remote monitoring and control equipment; building and modernising telecommunications infrastructure that connects all key facilities and ensures a high level of availability and communications security; and training and certifying CEDIS staff to operate and maintain the new system, ensuring full independence in its use and development. Phase 1 implementation will begin in Podgorica and continue in the southern municipalities.
Regarding territorial coverage, we would particularly like to emphasise that this project has been significantly expanded compared with previous plans. Whereas earlier versions of the project covered only the central and southern parts of Montenegro, the two phases of SCADA/ADMS implementation, with a total value of EUR 25 million, will now cover the entire territory of our country. This will ensure that all users of the distribution system benefit equally from the project.
In addition, the first tranche will fund the procurement of next-generation smart meters worth a total of EUR 10 million under the CEDIS SCADA – Smart digitalization project, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The plan is to procure approximately 50,000 smart meters to replace existing ones. The new second-generation smart meters will allow customers to view their current consumption via an application, while forming part of an interoperable digital system connecting customers, the distribution system operator and the electricity market, in line with European standards and the principles of transparency and the digital energy transition. The tender procedure, conducted in accordance with the rules of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development via the ECEPP platform, has been successfully completed, and the contract for the procurement is expected to be signed in the coming days.
We would like to note that in 2023 CEDIS began implementing the project “Preparation of Substations for SCADA System Implementation” as a prerequisite for integrating them into the SCADA/ADMS systeme. This investment, being implemented in three phases (two of which have been completed, while the third is under way), will involve the reconstruction and modernisation of approximately 60 substations at the 35/10 kV voltage level. The total investment across the three phases of the project is approximately EUR 4 million, and the works—and therefore the project as a whole—are expected to be completed by the end of September this year.
The project includes works to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure, including replacing outdated circuit breakers and equipment, reconstructing secondary connections, and installing new protection and control systems. The implementation of this project contributes to the stability of electricity supply and enables the further development of the electricity distribution system on a modern basis.
Finally, we would like to remind you that the aim of the CEDIS SCADA – Smart digitalization project is to enable faster detection and resolution of faults, more precise network management, reduced technical and commercial losses, and more efficient integration of renewable energy sources. The project also lays the foundations for a smart electricity distribution network (Smart Grid) in Montenegro, in line with European standards and international best practice.
