EU-supported technical assistance launched for Virpazar–Briska Gora–Ulcinj power line project in Montenegro
EU-funded technical assistance provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) has been launched to prepare a feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessment for a new 110 kV electricity transmission line linking Virpazar, Briska Gora and Ulcinj, together with upgrades to the Virpazar and Ulcinj substations. The kick-off meeting took place in Podgorica on 27 January 2026.
The project will assess the technical, environmental and social aspects of constructing the new overhead transmission line and extending the existing 110/35 kV substations at both ends of the route. The objective is to strengthen grid reliability in southern Montenegro and support the integration of renewable energy sources.
The launch meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Energy and Mining, the Montenegrin Transmission System Operator (CGES), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Ministry of European Affairs (NIPAC), and the project preparation team.
Scope of the technical assistance
The assignment covers preparation of:
- a Feasibility Study
- an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
The ESIA will be developed in two stages: first a scoping report prepared alongside the feasibility study, followed by a full assessment once the preferred transmission corridor is identified.
Policy contribution
The project supports Montenegro’s and the EU’s energy policy objectives by:
- improving security of electricity supply
- enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources
- reducing network losses through modern infrastructure
- aligning new grid assets with international technical and environmental standards
Funding
The technical assistance grant was approved by the WBIF Operational Board in July 2024 with a total value of €1m. The project is implemented under the WBIF Infrastructure Project Facility (IPF) 11.
WBIF technical assistance support
Through its Technical Assistance support, the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) helps prepare high-quality infrastructure and private sector projects by financing expert studies and advisory services. This includes feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, technical designs, procurement planning and tender documentation, as well as business planning and capacity-building support. By strengthening project preparation, WBIF technical assistance helps ensure that public and private investments are well designed, bankable and implemented efficiently. To date, WBIF has allocated more than €424 million to technical assistance projects.
Dragan Perunovic of CGES stated that the project is an important step for strengthening the southern transmission grid and enabling further renewable energy integration, and welcomed continued cooperation with WBIF under IPF support.
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.