The Fifth Energy Symposium - EPCG NET 2026, organized in Budva by the Electric Power Company of Montenegro, opened with the message that the energy transition has become a central development, economic and security issue for Montenegro and the region, with a clear assessment that the sector is in the phase of the deepest structural changes in recent decades.
At the opening, it was emphasized that decarbonization, digitalization, the development of renewable energy sources, and strengthening energy security have ceased to be long-term goals and have become everyday realities that require quick decisions, stable policies, and strong investments.
EPCG Executive Director Zdravko Dragaš said that EPCG NET confirms its status as one of the most important regional energy gatherings year after year, emphasizing that the energy transition is not just a technical process, but an opportunity for structural strengthening of the economy and long-term energy independence of the country.
He emphasized that Montenegro has a clear European perspective and defined climate and energy goals, and that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to turn these goals into concrete projects and measurable results. He particularly emphasized that EPCG, as the largest energy company in the country, has a key role in the overall development of the system.
Speaking about the investment cycle, Dragaš stated that the company is investing intensively in new renewable energy sources, modernization of existing capacities and improvement of energy efficiency. He particularly highlighted the Gvozd wind farm project, which he described as a turning point in the development of Montenegrin energy.
According to him, Gvozd represents a new development cycle and proof that Montenegro can implement complex energy projects in accordance with European standards. He emphasized that this is a project fully owned by EPCG, which operates according to market principles and without subsidies, and that it will produce energy for about 25.000 citizens.
Dragaš added that the significance of this project goes beyond the production effects alone, as it confirms EPCG's capacity to be a carrier of energy transition and long-term sustainable development. He emphasized that Gvozd represents only part of a broader investment cycle that includes the development of solar and wind projects, as well as the modernization of the hydropower sector.
He particularly emphasized that hydroelectric power plants remain the foundation of Montenegro's energy stability, which is why their modernization and extension of their lifespan are a strategic priority for the company. He also pointed out that the energy transition does not only involve the construction of new capacities, but also the development of the network, energy storage and modern market models.
Dragaš particularly emphasized the importance of international partnerships, citing cooperation with European financial institutions and strategic partners as key to the implementation of large projects. According to him, such cooperation brings new knowledge, technologies and financial models, but also raises the standards of project implementation in Montenegro.
The President of the Union of Energy Engineers, Prof. Dr. Nikola Rajaković, assessed that the energy sector is in a period of accelerated change, with an increasingly pronounced connection between energy and geopolitics. He emphasized that the modern energy system is characterized by strong technological development, especially in the areas of solar and wind energy, as well as battery storage systems.
Rajaković pointed to the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the energy sector and the sharp increase in electricity consumption, especially in the data center segment, emphasizing that energy systems are facing a completely new level of demand. He particularly highlighted the development of nuclear fusion as a promising, but still long-term direction.
He said that the energy sector is developing through the synergy of technology, regulation and finance, and that this balance is the key to a successful transition.
The Minister of Energy and Mining of Montenegro, Admir Šahmanović, assessed that EPCG NET has grown into one of the most important regional platforms for the exchange of knowledge, investments and policies in the energy sector. He emphasized that energy is no longer just a matter of electricity production, but also a matter of economic development, national security and technological competitiveness.
He stated that Montenegro had implemented significant reforms in the previous period, improved the regulatory framework and intensified cooperation with European partners and international financial institutions. He particularly emphasized that it was now entering a phase of concrete investments measured in hundreds of millions of euros.
According to him, Montenegro's goal is not to be a passive observer, but an active participant in the European energy transition and a regional energy hub.
EPCG Board of Directors Chairman Milutin Đukanović pointed out that EPCG is entering a strong investment cycle and that the company's overall plans reach around 4,1 billion euros. He emphasized that the energy transition must be seen as a development opportunity, not an administrative obligation.
He singled out the Solar 3000+, 5000+ and 10000+ programs, through which more than 100 MW has already been installed on around 10.000 roofs, which, as he stated, is changing the concept of the relationship between citizens and the energy system. Consumers are becoming active participants, while local energy production is increasingly decentralized.
Đukanović stated that EPCG already has a portfolio of around 570 MW of projects from renewable sources, with a planned annual production of around 900 GWh, which represents a significant step forward compared to existing hydropower capacities.
He particularly highlighted the Solar 10000+ projects, the construction of solar power plants on industrial and public buildings, as well as the development of battery systems for energy storage, which are becoming a key element of system stability in the context of the growth of renewable sources.
Speaking about ongoing investments, Đukanović mentioned the modernization of hydroelectric power plants, the ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, and the development of wind farms, with the support of international financial institutions such as the EBRD and the KfW bank.
He pointed out that EPCG is planning additional projects in cooperation with strategic partners, and that it is open to various models of cooperation with private investors, including the purchase of projects in an advanced stage of development.
In their closing messages, the participants agreed that the energy transition requires a balanced approach, the development of hydro, solar and wind capacities, grid modernization, strengthening energy storage, system digitalization, and strong regional and European integration.
The EPCG NET 2026 Symposium in Budva will bring together representatives of the energy sector, institutions, financial organizations and the professional community from Montenegro, the region and Europe over the next two days, with the aim of defining the directions of energy development in the coming period and strengthening cooperation in the energy transition process.
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