Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Sahmanovic and Australia’s non-resident ambassador Peter Truswell agreed that Montenegro and Australia have significant room to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the exchange of professional expertise.

At a meeting with Truswell, Sahmanovic presented to the most important achievements of the Ministry of Energy and Mining over the past year and a half, saying that particular attention had been devoted to aligning national legislation with the European Union acquis, as well as to drafting strategic documents that provide the foundation for the long-term development of the energy sector.

“I am particularly proud of the results achieved by the employees of the Ministry of Energy and Mining. Thanks to their dedicated work, Montenegro is now nearing the completion of all closing benchmarks under Chapter 15 – Energy, which marks one of the most significant achievements on our European path,” Sahmanovic stated.

Speaking about the next phase of sector development, Sahmanovic noted that the key priority is now securing investments that will enable the implementation of strategic energy projects and further strengthen Montenegro’s energy independence and competitiveness.

He particularly highlighted the importance of developing new renewable energy capacities, noting that the construction of new energy facilities will be among the Ministry’s top priorities in the coming period.

Sahmanovic also pointed to Montenegro’s exceptional geostrategic advantages in the energy sector.

“Thanks to its location and the undersea electricity cable connecting it with Italy, Montenegro already has all the prerequisites to become an energy bridge between the European Union and the countries of the Western Balkans. Additional momentum for this vision comes from the agreed construction of a second cable line, effectively doubling existing capacity of the transmission to Italy, as well as the signed Memorandum of Understanding on the integration of the electricity markets of the two countries,” Sahmanovic said.

Truswell welcomed Montenegro’s efforts to advance the green transition, noting that it is recognized at the regional level as one of the leaders in the transformation of the energy sector. He presented Australia’s experience in developing renewable energy sources, particularly highlighting solar energy projects that have been successfully implemented in Australia for decades.

Truswell said that Australia has substantial expertise and know-how in integrating solar power systems into the electricity grid, adding that closer cooperation and the exchange of experience with Australian experts could be especially beneficial for Montenegro as it continues to develop a sustainable and competitive energy sector.