New transmission line brings more secure electricity supply to Rožaje and Tutin

The construction of the Tutin-Rožaje transmission line is one of the important infrastructure projects for Montenegro and Serbia and could contribute to a more secure electricity supply, it was assessed at a meeting in Belgrade.

Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović spoke with the Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia Dubravka Đedović Handanović about how Montenegro and Serbia, through better cooperation, can ensure a more stable and secure supply of electricity to citizens.

The Ministry announced that special emphasis was placed on the project to build the 110 kV Tutin–Rožaje transmission line, which was assessed as one of the important infrastructure projects for both countries.

"With the implementation of this transmission line, the citizens of Rožaje and Tutin would receive a safer electricity supply, because these areas would have an additional supply route from the 110 kV network," the statement said.

This means that, in the event of a failure or interruption in one direction, electricity could be provided from the other direction, which significantly reduces the risk of power outages and increases the reliability of the power system.

The project involves the construction of about 15 kilometers of transmission lines. On the Serbian side, it is necessary to build a new field at the 110/35 kV Tutin substation and less than ten kilometers of transmission lines, while the Montenegrin Transmission System (CGES) has already planned the construction of a 110/35 kV substation in Rožaje.

This substation would be connected to the Berane substation by the existing 110 kV transmission line, which currently operates at a voltage of 35 kV.

Šahmanović and Đedović Handanović assessed that it is necessary to further accelerate activities so that the project is adequately recognized in the plans of Elektromreža Srbije, taking into account its importance for citizens, the economy and the overall energy security of the border area.

The meeting also discussed the challenges of energy transition, decarbonization, and the impact of global geopolitical circumstances on the energy market.

The interlocutors said that regional cooperation is crucial so that the countries of the Western Balkans can maintain security of supply, develop new energy capacities, and protect the interests of their citizens and economies.

"Opinions were also exchanged on the joint initiative of the countries of the region towards Brussels regarding the implementation of the European Union's CBAM regulations. It was assessed that it is important to provide a realistic and sustainable transition framework for the economies of the Western Balkans, while respecting the specificities of the region's energy systems," the statement said.

Šahmanović and Đedović Handanović confirmed the readiness of Montenegro and Serbia to continue close cooperation in the field of energy, especially through the development of transmission infrastructure, renewable energy sources, regional connectivity and a joint response to the challenges of energy transition.