Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection has given approval to electricity transmission system operator EMS to start the construction of 2×400 kV transmission line Bajina Basta-Obrenovac, namely to start the third phase of Trans-Balkan Corridor project.
In February, EMS has submitted a request for giving approval to the study of the environmental impact of the project of the construction of the Bajina Basta-Obrenovac transmission line.
The third phase of the Trans-Balkan Corridor project, namely Bajina Basta-Obrenovac 400 kV transmission line worth 59 million euros, is financed with a 40 million euros loan from Germany’s KfW Development Bank and a 12.8 million euros grant from the European Union’s Western Balkans Investment Framework, with EMS covering the remaining amount from its own sources. Last April, EMS has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Energy in order to receive 12.8 million euros worth EU grant for the construction of the third phase of Trans-Balkan Corridor.
The first phase of the Trans-Balkan project in Serbia included the construction of a double- circuit 400 kV transmission line from Pancevo to Romanian border, which was completed in December 2017 and was entirely financed by EMS. The third phase envisages the construction of a 109 kilometers-long 400 kV transmission line from Bajina Basta to Obrenovac, the upgrade of Bajina Basta substation’s capacity to 400 kV, and the overhaul of the Obrenovac substation. The fourth phase will include the construction of 400 kV transmission line linking Bajina Basta to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
The entire Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor, should link Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Romania via a 400 kV transmission line and Montenegro and Italy via an undersea cable. Initially, it was expected that the Corridor will be operational by the end of 2022.
