The Italian company Terna has so far laid one core of the submarine interconnecting cable with a capacity of 500MW, i.e. one of the contracted two cores, and this procedure does not prejudge the final outcome of the project, said the Montenegrin Electric Transmission System (CGES).
"We emphasize that the contracted capacity of the submarine cable, and thus Terna's obligation, is 1000MW. So, it can be said that the laid cable core represents the first half of the infrastructure, which will be completed in due time", CGES said in response to the questions of "Vijesti" whether it is true that Terna did not fulfill its part of the agreement on laying the cable from 1000 MW, i.e. she laid a 500 MW cable.
CGES clarifies that it is not about reducing capacity, but about the intention of phased construction.
"Communication with Terna shows the intention to harmonize the dynamics of the construction of this infrastructure and the gradual increase in power with the development of other energy segments in the region. On the other hand, it is also known that the submarine cable project is recognized as a project of general interest for the EU, which as such is necessary to be implemented, while the project carried out on the territory of Montenegro is part of the Trans-Balkan Corridor and represents a project of special interest to the Energy community which, in addition to its importance, clearly indicates that the implementation of these projects is monitored by both the EU institutions and the Energy Community", CGES stated.
The agreement on connecting Italy and Montenegro with an energy cable was signed in mid-November 2010. The total value of the project is about one billion euros, and the completion of the works is planned by the end of 2018.
The submarine cable construction project with accompanying infrastructures, which is very complex, plans to lay a submarine cable in a length of about 400 km, as well as an underground cable, the construction of converter plants on the territory of Italy and Montenegro, while on the Montenegrin side, the project includes the construction of a substation and transmission line that stretches over the entire territory of Montenegro in a length of over 180 km. The contractual documentation related to the project was signed by: Terna Rete Eletrica Nazzionale spa, Ministry of Economy and CGES.
The laying of the submarine energy cable between Italy and Montenegro in the Montenegrin sea was completed at the beginning of December.
CGES: We will not give up our 200MW capacity
When asked whether the project will be delayed and what the Montenegrin side will do about it, CGES replied that the signatories of the Terna contract, the Government of Montenegro and CGES are negotiating a series of issues in order to find solutions acceptable to all.
"What is most important is that Montenegro will insist on obtaining 200 MW of capacity and revenue from congestion, which was the most important initial agreement in this project," CGES announced.
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