East-West Energy Corridor to extend from Turkey to Montenegro

Bulgaria’s Electricity System Operator (ESO) received a grant from the United States for a feasibility study for the East-West Energy Corridor between Turkey and Montenegro, with the possibility of reaching Italy. The project includes Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo* and Albania.

US Trade and Development Agency (USDTA) Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a USD 1.5 million grant agreement with ESO’s Executive Director Angelin Tsachev to advance new transmission infrastructure, aiming to ease the integration of renewables and increase Bulgaria’s state-owned transmission system operator’s capacity to export electricity to neighboring countries. ESO has initiated the East-West Energy Corridor project to connect the networks of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Albania and Montenegro, with the possibility of reaching Italy.

Bulgaria’s neighbor Serbia is notably absent, though Tsachev did say its transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) was consulted. The viability of the proposed investment was confirmed at meetings with all TSOs, he added.

Of note, the Monita cable connects Montenegro with Italy. Serbia is part of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor from Romania to Montenegro. Several other projects are under development within the Balkans.

Greece intends to install subsea interconnections with Italy, Cyprus, Egypt and beyond. Bulgaria and Romania are participating in a project for a power link with Georgia and Azerbaijan under the Black Sea.

Black and Veatch picked for feasibility study

The East-West Energy Corridor study will include the plans for two pumped storage hydropower plants in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Energy said. The initiative is crucial for the effective use of green energy to cover peak consumption in Southeastern Europe and to maintain grid stability.

By leveraging US technologies, USTDA’s engagement will help mitigate the climate crisis by supporting Bulgaria’s goals of decarbonizing its power sector and providing additional capacity for renewable energy resources, Ebong stressed. She revealed that consulting firm Black and Veatch would conduct the study.

East-West Energy Corridor to cut electricity bills

Bulgaria seeks to decarbonize its power sector through the phaseout of coal-fired power plants and the deployment of renewable energy sources.

With more and more renewables entering the energy mix in the countries of Southeastern Europe, the rapid development of the electricity infrastructure is very important to enable sharing and efficient use of green energy, Tsachev said.

The East-West Energy Corridor will reduce costs for consumers and help lower emissions, US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten said.