CEO of Bulgarian electricity transmission system operator ESO Angelin Tsachev said that the operator has invested more than 25 million euros in the digitalization of the electricity network. He said that the works are now focused on building the systems for automatic control of substations nationwide. So far, more than 150 substations have shifted to automatic control, out of the total of some 256 substations.
Tsachev said that the entire process of digitalization of the controls at the medium-voltage level is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, which is almost 18 months earlier than the planned deadline in mid-2026. The quick completion deadline is intended to ensure the fulfillment of all electricity network connection agreements, in particular the medium-voltage grid, because ESO considers it will handle all projects for renewable energy generation.
The goals put down in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan are for ESO to ensure network connection capability of more than 4,500 MW. At the moment, ESO has signed preliminary agreements for 4,000 MW.
Another goal ESO needs to achieve is to increase the cross-border transmission capacity by 2,000 MW, Tsachev said, noting that works on this are also progressing according to schedule. Bulgaria is ready with its part of the transmission line to connect with Greek electricity network. The line is 122 kilometers long and the Greek side is expected to complete the remaining 29 kilometers by the end of 2023.
Other goals related to electricity transmission in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan include new systems for central and regional network switchboards which are expected to be ready in 2026. Furthermore, a new market system will be build to replace the current one which will be able to handle all market changes as they happen.
