Elektroprivreda Crne Gore, controlled by the Government of Montenegro, started the preparations to install battery energy storage systems. It is a pioneering move among state-owned power companies in the Western Balkans as well as in Southeastern Europe,
The Board of Directors of Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has adopted a project task proposal for adding battery energy storage systems (BESS). The next step is to launch a public call for a feasibility study and project design.
According to the task, EPCG said that as the leading and largest producer of electricity in Montenegro and developer of numerous renewable energy projects it also intends to optimize the utilization of all such sources.
Batteries would be installed in four locations
The company plans to secure the flexibility of the power system with the construction of storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries, the update reveals.
The goal is to use the available infrastructure for connection to the transmission system. The locations foreseen in the project task are hydropower plant Perućica, where a capacity of 60 MWh is planned, EPCG Željezara Nikšić (two units of 60 MWh) and thermal power plant Pljevlja, for a 60 MWh system.
A planned photovoltaic plant would include a battery storage unit
The utility also decided to install a 5 MWh battery within its proposed Kapino Polje solar power plant, which would have 5 MW in capacity.
EPCG said the decision on energy storage would help it continue improving the energy system’s efficiency, but also the stability of the energy supply, by creating opportunities for the integration of renewable energy sources.
In the long term, introducing battery systems lowers the costs of production and distribution of electricity, also benefitting the company and end consumers, according to the state-owned utility.
It sees investments in batteries as a key step toward achieving the sustainable development, energy efficiency and stability goals. EPCG said it expects the project to promote it as the leader in the transition to green energy.
(balkangreenenergynews.com, September 3, 2024)
