Đukanović: Battery systems are the only investment in energy that you can realize in 12 months

The Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG) has respectable development potential, said the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, Milutin Đukanović.

As announced by EPCG, Đukanović participated in the SET 2026 Energy Summit, one of the leading regional events dedicated to the future of the energy sector, which was organized in Trebinje from today to Friday.

EPCG said that the meeting brought together leading experts, representatives of institutions and companies from the countries of the region - Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania, but also from the United States of America, Austria, China, Germany, Hungary, France and Turkey.

Speaking at the first panel "Energy Transition of the Western Balkans: Challenges, Reality and the Path to 2030/2050", Đukanović pointed out that EPCG is today outgrowing the framework of a traditional electricity company and is increasingly positioning itself as a development platform with clearly defined goals and concrete results.

He pointed out that EPCG has implemented projects worth around 220 million euros in the past three years.

"Essential decisions have been made and we must act accordingly. Battery systems are the only investment in energy that you can realize in 12 months," said Đukanović.

He added that EPCG launched a tender for the procurement of battery systems last year, but that there was a misunderstanding, so the tender was canceled and now they are losing over 1,2 million euros every month because of this.

Đukanović reiterated that the business policy: "Produce where you spend" is the sure winner of the energy transition.

He reminded that EPCG has implemented Solari projects in recent years that have brought significant megawatts of solar energy and that the newly built "Gvozd I" wind farm, which has around 55 MW of installed capacity, should soon be connected to the grid.

As Djukanovic pointed out, the company is currently developing its own portfolio of around 600 megawatts through 29 projects, with a plan to realize more than 300 megawatts of new capacity by the end of 2026.

"At the same time, EPCG has projects ready for partnerships with a total capacity of 628 megawatts, while it sees additional development potential in cooperation with the private sector through projects whose total capacity exceeds three gigawatts," said Đukanović.

He emphasized that EPCG is not presenting ideas at this year's Summit, but rather projects that are in various stages of implementation and with a clearly defined investment cycle.

"More than 160 megawatts of projects are already in the implementation phase, which further confirms the company's credibility as a reliable development partner," said Đukanović.

He pointed out the importance of diversifying the production portfolio, which includes solar and wind power plants, hydropower projects, but also energy storage systems, as an important segment of the stability of the power system.

Speaking about the challenges of the energy transition, Đukanović said that energy stability remains a key priority and that the transition process must be carefully planned to ensure a balance between environmental goals and security of supply.

He highlighted the excellent cooperation with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandić and pointed to the importance of regional cooperation.

Đukanović emphasized that EPCG builds partnerships from the position of owner and development integrator, with the belief that through joint projects, the realization of investments can be accelerated and the energy stability of the region can be further strengthened.

"EPCG's participation in this year's Summit in Trebinje confirms the company's commitment to actively participate in shaping a sustainable and long-term stable energy future for Montenegro and the region," the statement said.