Second Romania-Serbia power line operational, cross-border capacity jumps 80%

With the commissioning of a second system within the new interconnection between Romania and Serbia, the cross-border electricity transmission capacity surged 80% – from 500 MW to 900 MW in each direction. The first high-voltage line between the two countries runs through their joint hydropower plant Iron Gate 1, also known as Đerdap 1 and Porţile de Fier 1.

The first system within the 400 kV Pančevo-Reșița interconnection was put into operation in November, and now the second one has come online. The transmission line connects the Pančevo 2 and Reșița substations and creates conditions to increase electricity exchange between the two countries. The facility also increases the stability of supply and the power systems of Romania, Serbia, and Southeast Europe.

The transmission line is part of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor. It connects Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Italy. The last two are linked via a submarine cable. Some sections are still under construction.

Serbia’s part of the Pančevo-Reșița line was put into operation in December 2017. It has 203 poles across 68 kilometers, while Romania’s segment is 62 kilometers and with 206 poles.

The cross-border capacity could be further increased by 200 MW in each direction

Elektromreža Srbije (EMS), Serbia’s transmission system operator (TSO), told Balkan Green Energy News that until Romania’s section was put online, the existing part was useful for the increase of the stability of supply in eastern Serbia. The first power connection between the two countries, Đerdap 1 – Porţile de Fier 1, has an average net transmission capacity (NTC) of 500 MW in each direction.

“By putting the new power line Pančevo-Reșița into operation, the agreed monthly capacity level for both January and February amounted to 900 MW in each direction. It means the value of the transmission capacity was increased by 300 MW to 400 MW both for exports and for imports,” EMS said.

According to the company, additional capacities of about 200 MW in each direction could be allocated on a daily basis if there is a need and if Romania’s TSO Transelectrica agrees.

Each new interconnection is important both for Serbia and the region because it improves the safety of the transmission system, EMS added.

Transelectrica: An opportunity to integrate larger quantities of renewable energy

According to Transelectrica, the new transmission line is its eleventh 400 kV power interconnector with neighboring countries.

It said the investment confirms its commitment to developing energy infrastructure and the regional electricity market.

The Reșița-Pančevo transmission line contributes to the stability of the Romanian and Southeast European transmission system, reduces congestion of the cross-border capacity between Serbia and Romania, increases energy exchange in the region, and creates conditions for the integration of renewable energy sources, the company underscored.