CENTRAL-BALKAN CORRIDOR - MEASURE THRICE, CUT ONCE

Even though JSC EMS, as the electrical energy transmission system operator of Serbia, continuously works on maintaining the existing and constructing new transmission infrastructure, the largest investments are still expected in the upcoming decade or two. The largest portion of these will be directed towards constructing new 400 kV overhead lines that will increase the transmission efficiency, improve renewable sources’ integration and enhance the security of demand supply in the affected regions. One of those investments is the one dedicated to constructing Central-Balkan Corridor for energy transmission. This corridor includes series of lines that will cross entire central part of Serbia, with the first phase connecting Jagodina and Požarevac, whereas the second one will go from state border with Bulgaria to location Vardište, in the far East of Serbia. Considering that the cost of this will be in the range of hundreds of millions of euros, it is essential that each section of the corridor indeed represents the best possible option for all interested parties. To ensure this, the Prefeasibility Study has been initiated in 2024 with the goal of selecting the optimal variant for the construction of new tie-line between Bulgaria and Serbia. The assessment should be based on the predefined set of technical, economic and social criteria. The study is set to be completed in April of 2025, allowing this paper to present the most relevant conclusions of it, including the description of the chosen optimal solution for increasing the capacity on the border between Serbia and Bulgaria, in line with the identified needs.