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| Signing of the memorandum for the terminal in the port of Tivari. |
Representatives of the Government of Montenegro and American companies signed a Memorandum in Podgorica on May 12 for the implementation of two energy infrastructure projects.
According to the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazović, these projects will, among other things, reduce dependence on Russian gas, Radio Free Europe reports.
The projects include the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Montenegro and the installation of a gas-fired power plant, which would be supplied through the terminal. The terminal and power plant projects will be located in the port of Tivat.
"This is geopolitically important for us because it reduces our dependence on Russian gas, but above all, it shows that we know where we want the country to move in the next 10, 15, 20 years," said Abazović.
The Memorandum was signed by Abazović, Phil Pyle, representative of Enerflex Energy Systems, and Olin L. Wethington, President and CEO of Wethington Energy Innovation.
Wethington stated that Montenegro has the best technological partner among American companies.
"I believe we have secured the energy foundation."
The signatories of the memorandum agreed that these projects will ensure energy security and create positive prospects for further energy and overall economic progress in Montenegro.
According to the memorandum, the projects can start by the end of 2025. However, they did not disclose the start date of the works and the investment value, stating that they depend on various factors.
The U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro, Judy Rising Reinke, said that the project brings the best technology, equipment, knowledge, and skills to Montenegro.
Negotiations for these projects began in January 2020.
At that time, the Deputy Secretary for Fossil Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, Steven Winberg, stated that the Port of Tivat is an ideal resource for gas supply.
"That port has an ideal position to receive liquefied gas and would serve as a hub for transporting liquefied gas to other countries. It is a deep-water port and can accommodate vessels coming from the United States."