BiH, Montenegro to boost electricity interconnection capacity

Power transmission system operators (TSOs) of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro plan to reconstruct the 200 kV power interconnection between hydropower plant Perućica and Trebinje and to install a new 400 kV line Brezna-Sarajevo. The investments are estimated at tens of millions of euros each.

The Independent System Operator in Bosnia and Herzegovina (NOSBiH) and the Montenegrin TSO CGES have signed a memorandum of understanding on the intended reconstruction of the 220 kV power line between hydropower plant Perućica and Trebinje, and the construction of a 400 kV interconnection from Brezna to Sarajevo.

Upgrading the 220 kV interconnection is part of a wider project to increase the capacity of 220 kV grid from Trebinje in BiH to hydroelectric station Vau i Dejës in Albania, the two TSOs said.

The new line will increase the transmission capacity between the two countries and enable greater integration of renewable sources and further market development, the statement adds.

The memorandum was signed in line with EU regulations that encourage increasing cross-border capacities

The two sides claimed the memorandum is aligned with the European Union’s regulations that encourage increasing cross-border capacities as well as with the legal obligations regarding transmission system management within the ENTSO-e network.

Ivan Asanović, CEO of CGES, and Nemanja Pandurević, general manager of NOSBiH, signed the document in the presence of Aleksandar Mijušković, president of the Board of Directors of CGES, and Ana Marić and Muhamed Mujakić, members of the NOSBiH board.

Aleksandar Mijušković said the memorandum strengthens ties between energy companies, ensures cooperation on new projects, and presents joint activities on increasing energy stability. It also improves the investment framework in two countries, he added.

Asanović: The EU is financing the preparation of the feasibility studies

According to Ivan Asanović, CEO of CGES, bolstering existing lines and installing new ones is significant on both the bilateral and regional levels, especially in a green transition era.

Their value exceeds tens of millions of euros, he added.

However, CGES has already made progress and received significant funding from the European Commission for the feasibility studies, Asanović explained, adding that his utility expects more grants to cover up to 20% of the investments.

Pandurević: The projects have regional importance

According to Nemanja Pandurević, director general of NOSBiH, the projects will increase transmission capacity and allow the integration of renewable electricity sources.

He pointed to the acceleration in project development in the region for solar power plants and wind farms.

Interconnections will strengthen the security of electricity supply and eliminate grid congestion, Pandurević said.