Montenegro’s state-owned power utility EPCG is preparing to develop a virtual power plant (VPP) platform to integrate and manage distributed energy resources via a unified digital system. The initiative is intended to coordinate distributed assets within a single platform. EPCG Technical Director Ljubisa Đurkovic linked the work to the utility’s expanding renewable portfolio.
Đurkovic said the VPP plans build on the Solari programmes launched in 2022 to accelerate rooftop solar deployment across Montenegro. The schemes included Solari 3000+, Solari 500+, and Solari 5000+. Households and businesses participating in the programmes have installed photovoltaic systems, bringing more than 10,000 prosumers into the programme.
Installations under the Solari schemes account for around 100 MW of installed solar capacity. Current output from these systems is approximately 135 GWh of electricity per year. EPCG expects renewable generation to keep rising in the coming years as additional capacity comes online.
Projected growth in solar and wind generation
By the end of 2027, EPCG projects that solar and wind facilities in Montenegro will generate around 500 GWh of electricity per year. The forecast points to continued expansion of clean energy capacity within the power system. EPCG’s planning also reflects the expected increase in renewable penetration.
Energy storage and balancing through a coordinated platform
As renewable penetration increases, EPCG is placing greater focus on energy storage and system balancing solutions. The planned virtual power plant would aggregate distributed energy assets into a single coordinated platform. EPCG said this approach is aimed at enabling more efficient management of electricity supply and demand.
The VPP design is also intended to improve flexibility and stability of the power system as distributed generation grows. This includes coordinating distributed resources through the unified digital system described by the utility.
