Project overview

The Luštica Lot 2 – 110 kV Cables project is an important segment of the wider infrastructure program Regional Program for Energy Efficiency in Transmission – Component II: Montenegrin Coast – Luštica Region Development, which is being implemented with the financial support of the KfW Development Bank.

The aim of the project is to modernize the electricity infrastructure in the area of Luštica – a region that has seen strong tourism, housing and investment development in recent years. The improvement of the transmission network provides a stable and reliable power supply for new consumers, including the Lustica Bay complex, as well as for the future development of this part of the Montenegrin coast.

The contract for the implementation of the project was signed on June 7, 2024, and the works are carried out in phases, with short and controlled outages, in order to keep the existing transmission system in operation during the reconstruction and modernization of the infrastructure.

Scope of works

The essence of the project is the construction of a double 110 kV underground cable line approximately 10.4 km long, which connects the new 110/35 kV Radovići substation with the existing 110 kV Lastva-Tivat transmission line.

The technical scope of work includes:

– laying of a double 110 kV underground cable line from the Radovići substation to poles 170 and 170A
– connection of the cable route to the existing transmission line Lastva–Tivat according to the LILO configuration
– dismantling of the existing pillar No. 170
– construction of two new angular tension poles 170 and 170A, which enable the transition between the underground cable and the overhead line
– Execution of all construction, electrical installation and assembly works within the framework of a turnkey contract

The cable route starts from the Radovići substation and leads to the new poles 170 and 170A. To a large extent, it follows the existing traffic infrastructure and technical corridors, which minimizes the spatial impact and reduces the need for new infrastructure interventions.

Environmental and technical aspects

Special attention was paid to sensitive sections of the route. The project includes the crossing of the Koložunjski stream, as well as works near the border of the Tivat Salt Works protected area. The cable route is planned in such a way that it does not enter the boundaries of the protected area, thus avoiding a direct impact on protected ecosystems.

Technical solutions and organization of works are designed to minimize the impact on the natural and urban environment, with the application of modern standards of environmental protection and control of construction site activities.

ESHS approach

The implementation of the project is based on the principles of ESHS management (Environmental, Social, Health and Safety), which include:

– protection of the environment and biodiversity
– high standards of safety and health at work
– responsible communication with the local community
– control of waste and traffic management on the construction site
– continuous monitoring of sensitive zones along the route

As part of the works on the watercourse, an expert for aquatic ecosystems was hired, including the implementation of ichthyological monitoring, in order to ensure the conservation of local biodiversity.

Significance of the project

The modernization of the power infrastructure on Luštica represents an important step towards the long-term sustainable development of this part of the Montenegrin coast.

The project contributes:

– increasing the reliability of the transmission network
– stable electricity supply for tourist and residential zones
– reduction of technical losses in the power system
– creating infrastructural conditions for the future integration of renewable energy sources In this way, the project represents an important element of the energy transition and support for the sustainable development of the region.