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Energy project of utmost importance: Undersea power cable today becomes operational

Presidents of Montenegro and Italy, Mr Milo Đukanović and Mr Sergio Mattarella, put the undersea power cable into function today. Montenegro’s and Italy’s presidents pointed out that this projects, called “energy bridge”, was of utmost strategic importance for the region as it “is the first interconnection between Montenegro and Italy and Europe”.

Photo CdM

“We are all honored to be here today and celebrate completion of this grandiose project. We are witnessing the triumph of our vision. This project is a firm bond between Montenegro and Italy”, said Mr Đukanović.

Photo: CdM

He added that undersea cable would contribute to better quality of life in Montenegro.

“From the aspect of development philosophy, this project is a reflection of principles we aired when we started our transition journey. Those principles are: openness, freedom of exchange and visions of Montenegro, as part of a unique European market. We proved professional, technical and staff capacity of cooperating with the best, Montenegro proved to be reliable partner in the implementation of important cross border, European infrastructure projects”, Mr Đukanović said.

Photo: CdM

He stressed that undersea electric and energy connection wasn’t just an energy bond that links Western and South East Europe, but that it was also a great demonstration of the idea of the integration of capital, people and vision.

“I’ll remind you, this project is worth around €1 billion, including the Trans-Balkan corridor. It’s one of the most serious feats in Europe”, said Mr Đukanović.

Mr Đukanović took the opportunity to call on the potential investors from Italy and other countries to work on the construction of new sustainable green energy resources in Montenegro

Photo: CdM

“We rely on renewable energy resources so that we can protect ourselves from the risk of supply, especially considering climate change. We count on the advantages that the combination of technology and continuous production of photovoltaic energy provides. Use of renewable energy increases energy efficiency, but not only that. It also reduces  the emission of greenhouse gases in land transport. Modernization of grid can contribute to more reliable supply. Therefore, I invite Terna to continue cooperation with us and I suggest that we should work on the development of smart transmission grids and energy distribution in Montenegro”, pointed out President Đukanović.

Mr Đukanović said that Montenegro had proven that it deserved to be part of developed Europe in the most demanding area, where knowledge and professionalism are put into focus.

“I’d like to thank our Italian friends from competent state departments and Terna company. I also thank global leaders in the field of the development and installation of undersea cables and accompanying facilities, companies Toshiba, Nexans and Prismian, which instilled part of their knowledge, innovation and corporate culture into this project. Such strong international connection is especially important now, when the Western Balkans is faced with political slowdown of the integration process. I am sure that the approach we demonstrated represents confirmation of our ability to be part of the common market”, said Mr Đukanović.

Italy’s president, Mr Sergio Mattarella, said that this was a very important investment.

“It has strategic importance at the European level. It’s an energy bridge between Europe and the Balkans. An important hub for Italy, the Balkans, Europe… It gets us closer to each other”, said Mr Mattarella.

Photo: CdM

He pointed out that today’s ceremony was an important moment in the relations between two countries.

“This is the fruit of our stable cooperation, the bond that has never been spoiled or damaged. There are numerous examples of cooperation between us. Italy sees Montenegro as factor of stability in this part of Europe. The Balkan region is Europe. Montenegro’s EU aspirations deserve encouragement and support. I express my gratitude to Terna for the dedication”, concluded Mr Mattarella.

Photo: CdM

President of Terna group, Ms Katia Bastiolli, pointed out that innovative infrastructure had great importance for the integration of the Balkan energy market into Europe.

According to Terna’s CEO, Mr Luigi Feraris, this interconnection is a key hub for European energy union. Interconnection represents an impulse for a set of prospects and safer and more efficient electricity market.

“Interconnection enhances further development of renewable resources production. From 2020 to 2030, renewable resources facilities will increase. This project creates conditions for further development of energy system of Montenegro and entire Balkan region. This is a technological miracle”, pointed out Mr Feraris.

He stressed that the implementation required more than 600 days of sea research.

Photo: CdM
Photo: CdM
Photo: CdM
Photo: CdM

Undersea power cable will provide significant revenues for Montenegro, it will reduce losses in the transmission grid, increase capacity, safety and reliability of transmission grid.

 

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