Bajramović: Investments of BAM 1.4 billion needed for distribution grids in BiH

Necessary investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electricity distribution grids by 2030 amount to BAM 1.4 billion (EUR 716 million), according to Zijad Bajramović, chairman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina committee of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE).

The growing installation of power plants utilizing renewable energy sources is creating congestion in transmission and distribution networks, so the limited available capacity for their connection is an issue across the entire region, Zijad Bajramović told state news agency Fena. Nezavisne Novine republished the report.

An additional burden on the distribution network is expected from the electrification of transportation and increased electricity use for heating and cooling.

Energy storage is a solution for the problems emerging in the grid

Bajramović explained that new 110 kV substations are necessary, as is the completion of the ongoing transition to the 20 kV voltage level. Attention should also be paid to integrating prosumers, especially the households that both produce electricity, with solar panels on their roofs, and consume it.

He highlighted balancing as well as maintaining voltage conditions and supply quality as the main challenges from the rise in renewable electricity capacity on the grid. Energy storage is a solution for the issues.

Batteries can prevent renewables generation curtailments

Bajramović expects battery energy storage systems to play an increasingly significant role in relieving network congestion.

BESS, in his words, are a flexibility tool for absorbing excess generation locally, and temporarily easing the pressure on the transmission grid. They can prevent curtailments of power generation from variable renewable sources, he added.

Bajramović recalled that calculations have showed batteries of 225 MW / 450 MWh in total would be necessary to connect 1,500 MW of solar power capacity and 1,000 MW of wind power to the transmission network.

An increase in distribution network tariffs would provide funds for investment in strengthening and modernizing the distribution network, in his view.

Batteries are being installed at a rapid rate around the world as well as in the region. Not only private companies, but also state-owned utilities such as Romania’s Hidroelectrica and Montenegro’s Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) are investing in such projects.