Montenegro’s state-owned electric utility, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), announced plans to launch a call for tenders to procure 300 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS), as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance energy infrastructure. The tendering process is scheduled to begin in January 2025, following the board’s approval of the project in September 2024.
The primary objective of the project is to leverage existing infrastructure for connection to the transmission grid. EPCG has identified four locations for the installation of the BESS: two sites at the Perucica hydroelectric station and the Pljevlja thermal power plant, each set to host 60 MWh of storage. Additionally, the planned 5-MW Kapino Polje solar farm will feature a 5-MWh BESS.
The reactivated EPCG Zelezara Niksic steel mill will also play a key role in the project, with two 60-MWh BESS installations planned for the site. EPCG, which owns the steel mill but leases it for production, intends to install at least 20 MW of solar power at the facility.
EPCG, which currently has 874 MW of installed capacity, is expanding its energy generation portfolio, which includes two hydroelectric plants totaling 649 MW and the 225-MW Pljevlja thermal power plant. The company is also working on the development of wind, solar, and hydropower projects to further diversify its energy mix.