Bulgaria, Romania to invest EUR 2.4 billion in total in power grids

Romania plans to invest EUR 1.45 billion in its transmission grid while investments in the Bulgarian transmission network could reach EUR 945 million over the period of the next 10 years.

The Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has adopted the development plan for the electricity transmission network for the period 2022-2031. It was developed by the country’s transmission system operator (TSO) Transelectrica.

The total value of the investment plan is about RON 7.1 billion (EUR 1.45 billion), ANRE said.

Transelectrica intends to spend 29% on network upgrades. It earmarked 26% for the integration of renewables and other new plants. The document reveals 30% of the funds would be directed into increasing the interconnection capacity.

Investments would allow for the integration of 7 GW of renewables by 2030

According to the plan, the following projects will be finished by 2025: 400 kV power line Brazi Vest – Teleajen – Stâlpu including a new 400 kV substation at Stâlpu, the upgrade of the Brazi Vest substation and the construction of the 400 kV Teleajen substation; increase of the capacity of the 220 kV power line Stejaru – Gheorgheni – Fântânele, 400 kV section Bucharest South – Pelicanu, 400 kV line Gutinaș – Smârdan, 400 kV line Portile de Fier – Reșita including the 400 kV Reșita substation.

With the planned investments, the national grid will be capable of integrating at least 7,000 MW from renewable sources, which is a goal for 2030 set by the country’s national energy and climate plan (NECP), said ANRE.

Of note, in the period 2018-2022, Transelectrica implemented investment projects worth a combined EUR 224 million, mostly in power lines.

Bulgaria launches public discussion on the plan

Meanwhile in Bulgaria, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC or KEVR) has launched a public discussion on the ten-year development plan through 2031 for the electricity transmission network, drafted by the country’s TSO ESO.

The company plans investments worth BGN 1.848 billion (EUR 945 million) for the construction, expansion, reconstruction and modernization of the grid, EWRC said.

ESO said it would invest EUR 297 million or 31% in the first three years.

The problem with grid investment is the lack of energy strategy

Ten-year plans should be closely linked to the national energy strategy, however Bulgaria doesn’t have one.

Chairman of EWRC Ivan Ivanov said he has repeatedly pointed to the urgency of adopting a new energy strategy, adding that it requires political will and courage.

The strategy must answer two key issues – the development of nuclear energy and the future of thermal power plants in the country, said Ivanov.

EWRC intends to adopt the plant by November 17.