Šahmanović: The regulation fully subsidizes the cost of electricity for vulnerable customers up to 600 kW per month

Montenegro has recently implemented the most intensive series of reform activities in the field of energy policy in the last decade, which should be a development opportunity for citizens, the economy and future generations, announced the relevant Minister Admir Šahmanović.

Today, at the session of the Just Transition Council, held at Villa Gorica, he said that, when it comes to strategic documents, with the adoption of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the area of ​​energy and climate policy has been significantly improved.

"Furthermore, the new energy law specifies energy activities, regulates the requirements and conditions for performing these activities, in order to ensure a quality and secure supply of energy to end customers, as well as to encourage the production of electricity from renewable sources and highly efficient cogeneration, the procedure for organizing the management of the electricity and gas market, as well as other issues of importance to the energy sector," said Šahmanović.

He added that energy policy is an instrument of social security.

"The new regulation fully subsidizes the cost of electricity for vulnerable customers up to 600 kW per month, thus protecting the most vulnerable citizens while preserving system stability and full compliance with European standards," said Šahmanović.

He also drew attention to the significant results that have already been achieved in the field of energy.

"With the commissioning of the first phase of the 57 MW Gvozd wind farm, Montenegro has made a historic step forward in the energy transition and, after several decades, has received the first new state-owned production facility in the field of renewable energy sources. At the same time, the next phase of development through an additional 20 MW of new capacity has already been agreed," said Šahmanović.

In the area of ​​energy efficiency, the planned goals were exceeded.

Instead of 60 thousand square meters, over 120 thousand square meters of public buildings were renovated, including health facilities with significant energy savings.

Šahmanović noted that the Ministry of Energy and Mining, in parallel with reforms and improvements to the legislative framework, is also working intensively to strengthen investment momentum and position Montenegro as a reliable and attractive destination for investing in energy.

"By signing the memorandum of understanding with Italy, we have opened a new chapter of regional integration through the connection of electricity markets and the continuation of the implementation of the second core of the submarine power cable, which will double the transmission capacity between Montenegro and Italy," said Šahmanović.

At the same time, as he stated, through intergovernmental agreements with France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as through intensive activities to conclude agreements with the United States of America (USA), strong partnerships are being created with the most significant global actors in the field of energy.

"By forming the joint company Masdar - Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, we are creating the prerequisites for the accelerated implementation of large projects from renewable energy sources, while with the Japanese company JERA we are conducting a serious feasibility study on the potential for the development of the LNG sector in Montenegro," added Šahmanović.

All these activities confirm that work is being done on multiple fronts with credible international partners to diversify the energy sector and create the foundation for long-term and sustainable development and greater energy security.

"They bring new jobs, new knowledge and expertise, encourage the development of local communities and strengthen the overall competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy. This is the essence of a just transition - that the changes we are implementing be a development opportunity for citizens, the economy and future generations," said Šahmanović.

Special focus at the session was placed on projects implemented in Pljevlja through the budget of Montenegro for this year, social aspects of transition and the establishment of the Training Center for Green Jobs.

The executive director of the Pljevlja Coal Mine, Nemanja Laković, pointed out the importance of the new development perspective of Pljevlja.

"The goal of the Coal Mine management is to be fully committed to preserving jobs and employee safety, through an open dialogue with unions, the non-governmental sector, the Municipality and the Government. Only in this way can we say that a just transition is truly just. Challenges lie ahead, but we remain committed to the operation of the Coal Mine in its primary activity for as long as possible. At the same time, we are planning specific projects that will open a new development perspective for Pljevlja and the region gradually and transparently," Laković pointed out.

The session brought together representatives of state institutions, international partners, local governments, businesses and the civil sector, with the aim of further improving the process of a just and sustainable energy transition.

The session confirmed key documents and activities in the just transition process of Montenegro, including the Just Transition Roadmap with the Action Plan, the Plan for the Implementation of Retraining Training within the Just Transition in the Pljevlja Coal Region.

The session also presented the status of the Just Transition Plan, the Review of the District Heating Concept, as well as an overview of communication activities.

Minister of Public Works, Majda Adžović, said that the session of the Council for a Just Transition showed that we are observing the development of Pljevlja responsibly and in the long term, taking into account that economic changes are an opportunity for new investments, new jobs and a better quality of life for all citizens.