Following several years of preparation, the project to introduce SCADA and ADMS systems is now underway in Montenegro, with the aim of improving reliability and the quality of electricity supply to customers, as well as reducing network losses. These systems enable remote network control and monitoring of all substations from the Dispatch Centre.
The implementation of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System) systems is a key step towards modernising the electricity distribution network.
SCADA enables the remote control, monitoring and automation of electricity distribution, while ADMS includes energy flow management and the integration of renewable energy sources. Together, these systems significantly improve the reliability, efficiency and security of the power system.
Planning for the implementation of a SCADA system in Montenegro began in 2010, when the focus was on analysing key issues, such as high technical losses and limited control capabilities. Due to the complexity of the project and the considerable challenges involved in its implementation, there had been little progress until recently.
Work on the project was stepped up in 2021. The Energy Regulatory Agency approved the investment in early 2022, and, thanks to the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a key breakthrough was made over the past two years, culminating in the signing of the project financing agreement on 27 January 2025.
The SCADA and ADMS systems enable real-time data collection from all vital parts of the network, automatic fault identification and faster restoration of supply to customers. This resource management reduces the duration of electricity supply interruptions for customers.
The importance of SCADA was demonstrated in 2023, when CGES introduced the system at 16 substations (“Budva”, “Ulcinj”, “Bar”, “Tivat”, “Herceg Novi”, “Cetinje”, “Virpazar”, “Podgorica 1”, “Danilovgrad”, “Nikšić 1”, “Pljevlja 1”, “Berane”, “Mojkovac”, “Lastva”, “Ribarevine”, “Brezna”), enabling remote monitoring and control of the 35 kV feeders within them that are owned by CEDIS. The first benefits are already evident, particularly in the increased reliability of electricity distribution. In addition, the foundations have been laid for further network digitalisation and automation.
The ADMS system is a software solution that enables centralised management of electricity distribution systems. Its key functions include optimal energy management, providing tools to optimise network operations, improve management efficiency and reduce losses. It also enables the simulation of different scenarios and supports decision-making, as well as the integration of renewable energy sources (facilitating the integration of solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable sources into the network). ADMS monitors network conditions in real time, reducing the risk of faults and failures.
The benefits of this system for citizens include giving operators a detailed overview of network conditions so they can make decisions quickly, while process automation reduces the need for manual intervention. It also increases network stability and reduces the likelihood of interruptions to electricity supply.
In line with the stated objectives of Government policy, this system supports the achievement of sustainable development goals through improved management of renewable energy sources.
The implementation of the contracted procurement of SCADA and ADMS systems through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) includes the preparation of technical documentation and the publication of an international tender.
CEDIS, in cooperation with the EBRD, has already prepared detailed technical specifications for the equipment and software. The tender for the procurement of equipment and services will be published internationally, and the decision and all subsequent procedures will be carried out in accordance with EBRD rules.
CEDIS’s 20 kV and 35 kV Maintenance Sector is participating in the implementation of the investment project “Preparation of Substations for SCADA System Implementation”, which involves replacing microprocessor protection relays (35 kV and 10 kV sides), 35 kV and 10 kV vacuum circuit breakers, and secondary wiring in 35 kV and 10 kV switchgear cells. The works also include the reconstruction of auxiliary power distribution systems and the addition of accumulator batteries, as well as the procurement and installation of rectifiers, functional testing of the installed equipment and preparation of as-built project documentation.
This project is being implemented in three phases. The first phase has been successfully completed and included works to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure, including the replacement of obsolete equipment, the reconstruction of secondary wiring, and the installation of new protection and control systems. This phase covered 21 substations, and the total investment amounted to more than €1.2 million.
The second phase involves the continued modernisation of 19 substations. Works at five substations included replacing circuit breakers and microprocessor protection relays, as well as replacing worn current and voltage transformers. The total value of this investment was just under €140,000. Works at two of these substations were completed in 2023 under the Maintenance Project.
Works at ten substations under Phase II, with an estimated value of more than €1.5 million, are to be completed by the end of this year. The preparation of the remaining two substations for the introduction of the SCADA system will be carried out as part of the investment project to reconstruct these facilities.
Activities under the third phase of preparing substations for SCADA system implementation, which covers 20 substations, are planned for 2026. The estimated cost of procuring materials and equipment for this project is approximately €2.2 million, clearly demonstrating the project’s complexity and the scale of the work CEDIS is undertaking to implement the SCADA and ADMS systems.
