Montenegro sees great potential for developing energy cooperation with Azerbaijan. The country intends to work on a gas pipeline project stretching from the Caspian region to Albania and believes that Azerbaijan plays a very important role in ensuring energy stability in the Balkans and across Europe.
In an interview with Report, Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, discussed the prospects for energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, regional energy security, the green energy transition, and the process of integrating into the European energy market.
He also provided detailed information about his country’s renewable energy projects, investment opportunities with Azerbaijan, and major infrastructure plans for the coming period.
Report presents the interview.
– Which area does Montenegro consider the most promising for energy cooperation with Azerbaijan?
– We are currently planning to work on a gas pipeline extending from the Caspian region to Albania. We are interested in extending this pipeline toward Bosnia and Herzegovina and also toward Croatia. Our government has a plan to implement a new project along the main road. We simply want to lay a pipeline along the transport corridor and advance it together with this potential project. Through this, we aim to strengthen the European Union’s energy corridor while also creating additional opportunities for Azerbaijan to export more energy to the EU.
– How important is the expansion of Azerbaijani gas transport to the Balkan region for Montenegro?
– I believe Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring energy stability in the Balkans and Europe as a whole is very significant. Gas is very important for both the Balkans and the EU as a baseload energy source. Overall, there is great potential for cooperation; we just need to carry out construction and infrastructure development as soon as possible. Energy demand grows every year. We are developing data centers and artificial intelligence technologies. This demand will continue to increase, and we must be ready for such rapid development.
– Do you think Azerbaijani companies can take part in Montenegro’s green energy sector?
– Azerbaijani investments are very welcome. Azerbaijan has a major investment in Montenegro called Portonovi, and we would like to see more Azerbaijani investors in our country. Regarding other sectors, nearly 100% of our laws have been harmonized with EU legislation. So, everything that is in force in the EU is equally valid in Montenegro, and we are open to investment within the legal framework.
– What joint projects does Montenegro consider a priority for regional energy security?
– We have started a major investment cycle in our energy sector, primarily in renewable energy. We are developing solar and wind parks while also working on hydroelectric power plants.
In addition, we are implementing a very ambitious project to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and a 500‑megawatt gas station. These are our main priorities for the coming period. At the same time, we are developing all these projects together, with investments in energy storage systems (batteries) and transmission networks.
– What is the main challenge for Montenegro in the energy transition of Western Balkan countries?
– The main challenge is finding alternatives for energy sources while creating new jobs to replace sectors that will be phased out. One of our cities has a thermal power plant and a coal mine. When these facilities close, people will lose their jobs and that city’s economy will essentially collapse. So we must not only focus on the energy transition but also create new green jobs and provide alternatives for people working in this sector.
– What stage is Montenegro at in its integration into the European energy market?
– We have adopted all the necessary laws and are now at the verification‑approval stage. We have started the market coupling process. We hope that within the next year and a half, Montenegro will become part of the European energy market.
– Finally, do you plan to attend the Baku Energy Week next month? Is any new project or agreement with Azerbaijan expected to be signed there?
– Actually, there is a finalized memorandum of understanding between the two countries, and I would be happy to sign it with my Azerbaijani counterpart. I am not sure about my participation in the Energy Week, but I definitely plan to visit Baku.
https://report.az/en/energy/admir-ahmanovi-montenegro-plans-to-work-on-gas-pipeline-from-caspian-sea-to-albania-interview