Second Regional Power Exchange
Summary Regional Power Exchange Western Balkans
The 2nd Regional Power Exchange took place in Budva, Montenegro from 28-30/31 October 2024.
The Regional Power Exchange is an annual, 2-day conference bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss achievements, challenges, and priorities in grid decarbonisation in the Western Balkans.
In late October, over 80 energy sector professionals from across the Western Balkans gathered in Budva, Montenegro, to discuss the region's progress on decarbonising the power sector. The flagship event of the project ‘Green Agenda: Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans’, funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), provides a platform for in-depth exchanges and strengthening regional cooperation among technical and regulatory energy stakeholders in the Western Balkan region.
The Exchange took stock of achievements since the last regional meeting, discussed overarching topics and challenges in decarbonisation, and allowed working groups to set priorities for the year ahead. Other sessions addressed regulatory advancements, innovative technology solutions, and on-the-ground support for energy projects.
The Keynote Speech delivered by Charles Esser, Secretary General of E.DSO set the tone for the event by highlighting the importance of cooperation and long-term planning in decarbonisation projects for power sector.
Mr Esser’s insights were followed by a panel with insights from regional and international experts, including speakers from TransnetBW and the German Development Bank (KfW) on the current stage of the energy transition in the region.
For the rest of the day, participants took part in joint and breakout technical and regulatory working group sessions, addressing key issues like the introduction of battery storage solutions and procedures for connecting renewable energy systems to national grids. The sessions aimed to identify priorities for the coming year and explore how each nation can best support the wider Western Balkans decarbonization goals.
Another insightful session was a panel on gender dynamics in the energy sector. Panellists discussed the difficulties certain groups, including women face when it comes to engaging with the sector, and highlighted the importance of education and the breaking down of societal barriers.
A unique aspect of this year’s exchange was a visit to the Converter Station of the HVDC link between Italy and Montenegro courtesy of the Terna Company. Participants exchanged with engineers on the technical aspects of the link and discussed the potential of cross-border infrastructure in supporting energy security and renewables integration in the region. Attendees also enjoyed a cultural night, fostering stronger cross-border relationships.
A significant outcome of the conference is the launch of the Western Balkan Power Sector Knowledge Hub on the energypedia platform. The energypedia is an open access renewable energy wiki in the context of development cooperation by, and for energy professionals.
By the second day regulatory and technical working groups set clear priorities for the next project period in 2025. The points agreed jointly during the Exchange will drive the work that is ahead and emphasize a region-wide commitment to transitioning to a cleaner, interconnected energy future for the Western Balkans.
Presentations 29 October
In his keynote address, Charles Esser presented the European Distribution System Operators (E.DSO), its key achievements in policy, projects, and technology. He also presented results from the survey on DER connection, gave practical examples from members, and addressed DSO funding issues. Furthermore, he talked about the Draghi plan and its implications for system operators.
2024 Tailored support by expert pool. The presentation gave an Overview on Operational Models for Battery Energy Storage Systems in the Balancing Market of NOS BiH; It discussed the concept of data exchange between system operators in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Furthermore, technical specification and requirements for integration of RES into DSO Telecommunication network were presented.
2024 Technical Working Group activities overview on topics of interest: Grid flexibility; DSO roadmap; AMI and deployment of smart grid technologies.
Presentations 30 October
Labour market effects analysis of decarbonisation of the electricity sector in the Western Balkans: presentation of data analysis interpretation, visualisations and recommendations.
Presentation of thematic areas and project pillars of the project Renewable Energy Services in Education and Training (RESET).
Side Event - Edu-Energy 2.0: Towards Shaping the Future of Renewable Energy Transition in the Western Balkans - the presentation gave an overview on market labour needs, interest of education sector and economic sectors with cross-cutting potential for RE.
Side Event - Renewable Energy - Education Provision Mapping in WB. The presentations focused on qualitative and quantitative mapping of the current situation and plans of the educational offer and needs in the electro and mechanical sector related to RE.
2024 Technical Working Group - Selection of Topics for 2025.
Agenda
Monday 28 October 2024
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 15.00-19.00 | |
| 19.00-21.00 | |
| 21.00-22.00 | Presenting state-of-art technologies/solutions for Renewables Grid Integration by German/Intl. experts in Electricity Sector
|
Tuesday 29 October 2024
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 07.30-09.00 | |
| 09.00-09.45 | Moderator: Rodon Miraj
|
| 09.45 -10.15 | |
| 10.15-11.00 |
|
| 11.00-11.30 | |
| 11.30-12.45 | |
| 12.45-13.15 | |
| 13.15-18.00 | |
| 19.30-21.00 | |
| 21.00-23.00 | Cultural Night |
Wednesday 30 October 2024
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 07.30-09.00 | |
| 09.00-09.30 | |
| 09.30 -10.30 | |
| 10.30 -11:30 |
|
| 11.30-12.00 | |
| 12.00-13.00 | topics and vice-versa |
| 13.00-14.30 | |
| 14.30 -15.00 | |
| 15.00- 15.30 | |
| 15.30- 16.30 |
|
| 16.30- 18.00 |
You can also download the Full Agenda as PDF here.
