Serbia’s EMS seeks consultant for EUR 59 million overhead power line project

Elektromreža Srbije or EMS will pick a consulting firm for the construction of a double circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line between Obrenovac and Bajina Bašta. The EUR 59 million project includes upgrades of a substation and a switchyard.

Within the Regional Programme for Energy Efficiency in the Transmission System II – New OHL 2 x 400kV Bajina Bašta – Obrenovac, an invitation for the expression of interest was published for a consultant for the project run by Serbia’s transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije (EMS). The deadline for the international open tender is September 8.

The project worth EUR 59 million is financed with a EUR 40 million loan from Germany’s KfW Development Bank and a EUR 12.8 million grant from the European Union’s Western Balkans Investment Framework – WBIF. EMS agreed to provide the remainder from its own funds.

Power transmission line is part of Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor

The company will design and build a double circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line between Obrenovac, a town on the territory of Serbian capital Belgrade, and Bajina Bašta, located on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is section 3 of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor.

The works will include an upgrade to the 220/35 kV substation in Bajina Bašta to a 400 kV level and equipping two overhead line bays in the 400 kV switchyard in the Obrenovac substation. The purpose of the project is to increase transmission capacities, improve efficiency and reliability and the security and quality of power supply and to help the deployment of renewables in Serbia and neighboring countries.

Contract to be awarded early next year

Firms with experience in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia are preferred, the documentation revealed. The selected consultant will be tasked with offering expertise for concept preparation, designing, tendering, engineering, construction and commissioning supervision and project management. It will be responsible for compliance with international rules and standards and domestic laws, according to the call.

EMS said it intends to award the contract in the first quarter. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months plus 12 months for defect notifications.