Serbia’s electricity transmission system operator, EMS, has launched a tender for the development of a Spatial Plan for the Pannonian Corridor project. This spatial plan will encompass three double-circuit transmission line projects as part of the larger Pannonian Corridor initiative, which aims to enhance Serbia’s transmission capacity and connectivity with Hungary.
The three transmission line projects included in the tender are:
- A new 2×400 kV transmission line from Subotica 3 substation to the Serbia-Hungary border (Sandorfalva substation), spanning 28 km. This will involve the reconstruction of the 400 kV switchyard at Subotica 3 and the expansion of the substation with five new bays.
- A new 2×400 kV transmission line between Sombor 3 and Novi Sad 3 substations, covering 80 km, including the installation of 400 kV transmission line bays in both substations within existing complexes.
- A new 2×400 kV transmission line between Sremska Mitrovica 2 substation and Belgrade 50 substation, stretching 60 km, which will also include the installation of 400 kV transmission line bays in both substations.
The total length of the Pannonian Corridor will be approximately 150 kilometers, stretching from Zemun to Kanjiza near the Hungarian border. Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic previously stated that the project would strengthen Serbia’s transmission system and enhance its connectivity with Hungary.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has emphasized that the electricity transmission corridor with Hungary should be completed by the end of 2028. However, this timeline applies only to the first and shortest section of the corridor. The entire project will be developed in four phases:
- Phase 1: The construction of a new 400 kV interconnection between Serbia (Subotica 3 substation) and Hungary (Sandorfalva substation), covering a distance of nearly 30 km. This section is expected to be completed and operational by 2028.
- Phase 2: The full reconstruction of the 400/110 kV Subotica 3 substation, necessary due to its critical role in the first section and its aging infrastructure. This phase is expected to be completed by 2030.
- Phase 3: The construction of a double-circuit 400 kV transmission line between Sombor 3 and Novi Sad 3 substations, with the first circuit equipped to improve reliability in the Backa region. This line is also expected to be operational by 2030.
- Phase 4: The construction of a double-circuit 400 kV transmission line between Belgrade 50 substation (part of the Northern Corridor project) and Sremska Mitrovica 2 substation, further enhancing the transmission network. EMS plans to complete this section by 2030.
The total value of the Pannonian Corridor project is approximately 108 million euros.