The Montenegrin Ministry of Energy and Mining announced that Italian operator Terna’s plan to build a second submarine interconnector with Italy is a strategic project valued at around 500 million euros, with cable installation expected to begin in 2027. Montenegro is preparing key infrastructure to support the initiative, focusing on strengthening regional connectivity and modernizing its transmission network.
The project aims to integrate Montenegro’s electricity market with Italy and the broader EU, establishing the country as an energy hub for the Western Balkans. Among the core investments is the completed 400 kV Lastva–Pljevlja overhead line, spanning more than 160 kilometers, which forms part of the Trans-Balkan corridor. Additional plans include a double-circuit 400 kV line from Pljevlja to Bajina Basta, partially financed through an EU grant. On the Montenegrin side, the investment exceeds 20 million euros, while the Serbian section is expected to require even greater funding.
At the same time, a feasibility study financed by the EBRD is underway to reinforce the 220 kV backbone running from Albania through Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina with high-temperature conductors. A new 400 kV installation at the Brezna substation is also planned to provide reliable grid connections for upcoming renewable energy projects.
Energy Minister Admir Sahmanovic has emphasized that the second Italy cable is both an infrastructure and geopolitical milestone, strengthening Montenegro’s position as a dependable partner and a vital link between the Western Balkans and the EU.
The first Italy-Montenegro undersea interconnector, delivered by Terna and Montenegrin transmission operator CGES, entered service in November 2019. The 1 billion euro bidirectional link established a direct energy bridge between the Balkans and the European Union.
