Montenegro seeks 137 mln euro in WBIF funding for key projects

The initiatives include the 28.8 million euro project for the construction of the new 110 kV Virpazar-Briska Gora-Ulcinj power line and the 110/35 kV Virpazar and 110/35 kV Ulcinj power stations that will allow the connection to the grid of electricity produced at the Krnovo and Mozura wind parks and the Briska Gora solar plant, the government said in a statement on Thursday. The project seeks a 1.3 million euro grant for the preparation of technical documentation. The leading supporter of the project is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The second project, also supported by the EBRD, is the 25.44 million euro construction of a railway track to the international airport in the capital Podgorica. Montenegro has applied for a 1.04 million euro grant to help it prepare feasibility, design and environmental studies, among other documentation.

The third project is the 69.3 million euro construction of a railway link between the Adriatic port of Bar and the main railway station in the city of Bar. The project is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and is seeking a 2.04 million euro grant for the preparation of all needed studies and technical documentation.

The fourth project is the 59.79 million euro revamp of 17 railway buildings and adjacent facilities on the Vrbnica-Bar railway. It is supported by the EBRD and seeks a 2.09 million euro grant for the preparation of technical and other studies.

The fifth project is the 18.6 million euro construction of the 110 kV Herzeg Novi-Vilusi power line that also includes the reconstruction of the 110/35 kV Vilusi power transformer station and the expansion of the 110/35 kV Herzeg Novi station. The project is supported by the EBRD and has applied for a 3.48 million euro grant.

The sixth project is the 26.3 million euro Phase I of Montenegro's power grid operator Crnogorski Elektrodistributivni Sistem (CEDIS) smart digitalisation that aims to boost security of energy supplies. The project is supported by the EBRD and seeks a 5 million euro grant.

The seventh project is the 35.92 million euro Phase II of the construction of 400/110 kV Brezna power transformer that will allow the development of 400 kV interconnection towards neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is supported by the EBRD and has applied for a 7 million euro grant.

The eighth project is the 32.74 million euro development of a wastewater collection system in the northern municipalities of Niksic and Pljevlja. It is supported by the EIB and seeks an 18.27 million euro grant.

The ninth project is the 25.18 million euro development of the water supply system in Montenegro's old capital Cetinje. It is supported by the EIB and seeks a grant of 15 million euro.

The tenth project is the 38.46 million euro construction of water supply and wastewater infrastructure in the bay of Kotor area on the Adriatic coast. It is supported by German development bank KfW and has applied for a 14.37 million euro grant.

The eleventh project is the 38.39 million euro Phase V of expanding the water supply and wastewater systems in the Tivat municipality on the Adriatic coast. The project is supported by KfW and seeks a 23.25 million euro grant.

The final project is the 74.49 million euro construction of water supply and wastewater infrastructure in the Adriatic town of Ulcinj. It is supported by KfW and seeks a grant of 43.76 million euro.

The WBIF is a joint financial platform of the European Commission, financial organisations, EU member states and Norway aimed at enhancing cooperation and investment in the public and private sectors in the Western Balkans in order to support the region's socio-economic development, and contribute to its EU integration.

($ = 0.922 euro)