Behind one of the key positions in the Montenegrin energy sector stands a woman driven by a simple but powerful idea: that responsibility towards the state is measured by what we leave to future generations. Zorana Sekulić sees energy not only as a technical field, but as an area in which stability, responsibility and trust in the state are built.
As Acting Director General of the Directorate for Oil and Gas, she participates in creating policies that determine the energy future of Montenegro, but also in the daily operational processes that ensure its security. Her greatest professional strength lies in the combination of science and dedication - in the belief that every decision must have a long-term meaning. Her family is her greatest life support, a support that gives her strength and stability in everything she does. Zorana is an example of quiet leadership that is not built on words, but on results. And results, in this area, speak much more than words.
What marked your professional path and what was the path to energy like?
My professional path has been shaped by my love for Montenegro and the belief that responsibility to the country means leaving the system stronger than we found it. That is why I see my work not just as a job, but as a personal mission – to channel experience, science, and government policies towards solutions that last and truly change our energy landscape.
I started in an international environment, representing Montenegro at the Shanghai EXPO in 2010, followed by working in the Parliament of Montenegro, and then ten years in the corporate sector, at Nikšić Brewery, part of the Molson Coors Group, one of the largest and oldest brewing companies in the world, with a century-old tradition, a global portfolio of brands and a presence in dozens of markets. As a quality control engineer in such an organization, I learned what it means to work to the highest international standards, consistency, professionalism and attention to detail.
That period gave me the most valuable lesson: that every result is visible, that trust comes exclusively from work, and that discipline is the basis of every success. That professional foundation later made it easier for me to move into state administration, where the work dynamics are different, but the responsibility is just as great.
What motivated you to move from a corporate environment to public administration, and what does the balance between such a responsible job and life outside the office look like today?
The decision to move into public administration was not the result of a moment, but of maturation. At a certain point in my life, I became aware that the experience I gained has the greatest value when it becomes part of solutions that serve the wider community. Energy is a field in which every decision has long-term consequences, and it was this responsibility that attracted me. I felt that I could contribute in a place where policies are made that shape the future of the country.
As for “balance,” I have to say what many women feel but rarely say: there is no such thing as perfect balance. There is a sincere intention to be present where you are needed most, and there is constant adjustment. I am first and foremost a mother of two boys, and as dedicated as I am to leading professional processes, I strive to be there for them as they grow and form their own values.
I have learned that no two days are the same. Sometimes work requires full concentration from morning to night; sometimes family. Instead of the ideal of “perfect balance,” I try to live by the principle of priorities: to be dedicated to what is most important at that moment. And so, day after day, these two roles complement each other, one making me more responsible, the other making me calmer and stronger.
I don't believe that balance is the goal. I believe that the goal is meaning in what we do, both professionally and family-wise. And when there is, then even days that last "in three shifts" have their value.
What was the key reason for you to direct your energy and knowledge specifically into energy, a field that simultaneously requires vision, responsibility, and strong teamwork?
Energy is an area where decisions are made today, and their consequences are felt for decades. It is precisely this long-term responsibility that was the reason why I wanted to work in a sector where knowledge and experience enable the system to be built on sound foundations. I see working at the Ministry of Energy and Mining as a privilege, but also a responsibility, because it is a place where policies are created that affect the security, stability and development of the country.
My academic focus further strengthened that decision. My PhD on hydrogen energy and new materials for hydrogen storage opened up a completely new way of understanding – how modern technologies can improve energy policies and make the transition more sustainable.
In energy, I am also inspired by the constant cooperation with the economy. Energy companies bear a significant share of responsibility and investments, and the state creates the framework in which these investments become development. I am particularly interested in cooperation with highly professional individuals from various fields of energy, whose knowledge and experience enrich every process. It is precisely such cooperation that produces results that are felt at the level of the entire society.
A special segment is the work with international partners, because I believe that real progress is built through cooperation, exchange of knowledge and trust with partners from the region and the world. It is thanks to the effort to establish the best possible professional relationships that I received an invitation to participate in the most prestigious training of the US State Department in the field of energy, as well as the opportunity to represent Montenegro within NATO structures related to energy security.
The energy sector is not an individual story, it is teamwork in the broadest sense of the word. That is why I consider it a privilege to lead a team of five extraordinary, professional and dedicated women, with whom I have achieved results that I am proud of.
Behind every success of the Ministry stands a team consisting of the wider structure of the Ministry, led by Minister Šahmanović, whose dedication, vision and willingness to dialogue provide a strong framework for every process. Energy is a technically challenging field, but its true foundation is the people who carry it.
The energy sector has achieved visible results in the past period. What do you consider to be the most important breakthroughs?
Progress has been made in the past period, confirming that even small systems, with a clear strategy, can achieve a lot.
A special step forward has been made in the field of renewable energy sources. It was adopted Law on the use of energy from renewable sources, fully aligned with European standards. A new model of incentives for the development of renewable sources has also been introduced, which has opened the door to the largest investment cycle in the history of Montenegrin energy – a public auction for 250 MW solar power plants. In parallel, transport decarbonization policies are being developed: biofuels are being introduced and conditions are being created for the gradual inclusion of green hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
New Law on Energy It strengthened consumer rights and prepared Montenegro for integration into the single European electricity market. This law introduced energy communities and active customers, dynamic pricing and aggregators for the first time. It also improved the standards of protection of vulnerable consumers through the definition of energy poverty.
It was brought. Law on Security of Supply of Oil Derivatives, which lays the foundations for stable market supply. In parallel, the reconstruction of the warehouse and the procurement of reserves, worth almost 15 million euros, were launched during 2025. It was also adopted Law on Safety Measures in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, which further strengthens safety standards.
Mining legislation is also being modernized – new ones are being drafted laws on geological exploration and mining, for better control over resources, greater legal certainty and compliance with environmental protection standards.
It was made National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) by 2030 (with projections to 2050), which clearly defines the directions of decarbonization, accelerated development of renewable sources, strengthening of the network and storage, improving energy efficiency and a just transition - especially for Pljevlja.
The European Commission and the Energy Community have confirmed that Montenegro regional leader in the implementation of energy reforms. The speed of passing laws, concrete results and clear political will to accelerate the transition to clean energy are particularly noteworthy.
The Ministry also implements Reform agenda for the Western Balkans with the support of the European Union – out of the nine planned steps, seven have already been implemented.
Montenegro today has a strengthened institutional framework, a clear energy strategy and the capacity to be a credible partner to major investors. The conditions have been created for accelerated modernization of the sector, strengthening security of supply and network infrastructure, and assuming a regional leadership position in the green transition.
The energy transition is not only measured by laws, but also by projects on the ground. Which infrastructure, investment and development projects would you single out as the most significant for citizens and the energy security of the country?
The Ministry of Energy and Mining, in parallel with the reforms, is also implementing concrete projects together with partners from the energy sector. These projects directly impact the daily lives of citizens and strengthen the resilience of the energy system.
It particularly stands out Trans-Balkan electricity corridor. The Čevo-Pljevlja section will be completed by the end of the year, and work is underway on the entire corridor through Montenegro. A strategic goal has been set to connect the market with Italy by 2027, through a second submarine cable, which will enable access to the single European electricity market. These international projects increase the capacity of the network and connect Montenegro with the region and the European Union.
U energy efficiency Significant funds are being invested in the reconstruction of public facilities. Seven health institutions (4,5 million euros) and four schools have been reconstructed, and three more schools in the north are planned to be reconstructed. The construction of the Nursing Home in Risan (6,56 million euros) is underway.
Za electricity infrastructure Around 15 million euros have been secured for three projects, and three new projects worth over 14 million euros have been nominated.
Thanks to the projects "Solari 3000+", "Solari 500+" i "Solari 5000+", over 8.600 solar systems with a total capacity of around 85 MW have been installed in households and companies. The value of these projects exceeds 100 million euros, confirming that solar energy is becoming an important part of the energy mix.
Work is starting soon. Gvozd wind farm (54 MW), with a planned expansion of an additional 20 MW. Geological surveys for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in Kruševo have also been initiated.
Two capital projects were also launched this year: ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant for the purpose of harmonization with environmental protection standards, and displacement of the Ćehotina riverbed, crucial for the further operation of the Coal Mine and the stability of the Pljevlja TPP.
The implemented and planned projects confirm that the Ministry remains consistent with a strategic and responsible approach. The Ministry, in cooperation with energy companies, is building a stable and modern energy system in line with European standards.
What is the role of women in energy today and how do you see its further development?
Energy has long been considered a "male sector", but that is slowly changing. However, change does not come by itself. Women in energy need support at every level, from family, through the education system, to the institutions and companies that create opportunities.
In Montenegro, despite a large number of professional and dedicated women, we still do not have women in leading positions in key energy companies. This does not speak to their abilities, but to the space that has yet to be opened. Not because it is a gender equality issue, but because women deserve the space to contribute to their full capacity.
I believe that real progress is only possible when we value ability, not gender. Women who are given the opportunity to lead, return the favor with the quality, knowledge, and dedication they bring to their work.
For me, that is the essence of progress: not to insist, but to enable; not to impose, but to recognize. Energy will be stronger to the extent that it is more open to all who can add value to it, and among them are many women whose contributions have yet to become visible.
My vision is simple: that Montenegro has an energy system that is stable, sustainable and ready for the future, and that this system is created by people who do their job with knowledge, passion and responsibility.
I love my job, and when you do what you love, challenges become motivation, and every obstacle becomes an opportunity to build something better.
(Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro)
