MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO IN THERMAL POWER PLANT “PLJEVLJA” HEAD OFFICE

The Prime Minister informed TPP Pljevlja management about international trends in the energy sector, pointing out that Montenegro, being a country which openly initiated implementation of the European standards and values – anticipating 2024/25 when EU accession process should be finalized – is obliged to act cooperatively and responsibly in all relevant fields, particularly in the energy sector.

“As a Prime Minister, I encourage improvement of the current condition, but I am also for precaution and care of a prudent owner, for calculation and vision, for reliable technical-economic analysis – what is the actual price of eco-retrofitting of TPP, what are benefits and disadvantages of such retrofitting, and for which period. We have to check whether costs overcome benefits. Certainly, investment price of retrofitting cannot be auctioned. Montenegro does not have the right anymore to “resolve” problems related to bad negotiations or even worse plans through endless annexes” Krivokapić stated.

Speaking of energy-related prospects in Montenegro, the Prime Minister mentioned those related to Adriatic-Ionian gas line in the hinterland of Bar, as well as gas exploration in Montenegrin part of Adriatic Sea, being fully feasible projects.  

Interlocutors agreed on estimation that renewable energy sources (RES) do not have an alternative. In this respect, it was stated that steering energy sector towards construction of new “green” energy sources – in line with regulations of the Energy Community – is one of the key tasks for both the Government and EPCG.

EPCG representatives informed the Prime Minister and Ministers about significance of TPP eco-retrofitting, as well as about current phase of the concerned project.

“Having in mind that TPP Pljevlja represents a significant safety and stability element in Montenegrin energy system, it should proceed with operation until alternative capacities are provided for in the upcoming period” said the Prime Minister Krivokapić.

EPCG CEO, Nikola Rovčanin, said that this project will finally solve the problem of pollution in Pljevlja (district heating project) and make TPP Pljevlja equal to modern thermal power plants when it comes to implementation of environmental measures for this type of plants. He added that eco-retrofitting will create preconditions for successful energy transition (planning and construction of alternative energy capacities), as well as the possibility of TPP operation in the following 10 to 15 years. Furthermore, eco-retrofitting project creates preconditions for EPCG to make significant investments into RES and successfully finalize the energy transition process.

Other potentials and projects were also discussed during the meeting. In addition to contribution to the stability of the energy system, implementation of such projects would also provide new work positions (cement plant, SHPP Otilovići and hydro-power potential of Ćehotina River downstream, etc.).