Memorandum of Understanding signed between CGES and the Independent System Operator of BiH – Sarajevo
Under European regulation, encouraging the increase of cross-zonal capacities, and legal responsibilities that include system control within the ENTSO network , the transmission system operators of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (CGES, NOS-Sarajevo) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in Sarajevo aimed at implementing activities on reconstruction projects of the existing OHL 220 kV HPP "Perućica" - Trebinje interconnection, as well as the construction of a new 400 kV interconnection.
The Memorandum was signed by the companies CEOs: Ivan Asanović, and Nemanja Pandurević, and the signing was also attended by Aleksandar Mijušković,, Chairman of the CGES Board of Directors, Ana Marić and Muhamed Mujakić, members of the Board of NOS BiH.
Aleksandar Mujušković Chairman of the Board of Directors of CGES, expressed his satisfaction about signing such an important document because, as he stated, the Memorandum meant strengthening of ties between energy companies, collaboration on new projects, joint work on increasing energy stability, and thus the creation of a more favourable economic and institutional environment in the signatory countries.
Ivan Asanović, Executive director of CGES, highlighted the significance of the work done with Bosnia and Herzegovina partners. According to him, the construction of new and reconstruction of existing transmission lines is important, not only on bilateral, but on a regional level as well, especially in the "green transition" era. Expecting the successful completed of the started works, Asanović specified that the value of these projects exceeded several tens of millions of euros.
"Construction and reconstruction of transmission lines are always expensive investments. The Montenegrin electricity transmission system has already made a breakthrough this year and received significant funds from the European Commission to develop a feasibility study for these projects, and additional grants of up to 20 percent of the total investment are expected. ", explained Asanović.
According to Nemanja Pandurević, General Manager of the Independent System Operator BiH - Sarajevo, the importance of these projects is reflected in boosting transmission capacities, which are of great relevance for the integration of renewable energy sources. He pointed to the fact that there is an increasing trend in the region construction of solar power plants and wind farms.
"The interconnection will also enhances the security of energy supply and eliminate network congestion. It is important to stress the regional significance of implementing such capital projects," emphasized Pandurević.
The construction of the new 400 kV interconnection "Brezna - Sarajevo" will facilitate the increase of cross-border capacities between the two countries, greater integration of renewable electricity sources and further development of the market. The second project refers to the reconstruction of the existing 220 kV interconnection "Perućica - Trebinje", which is seen as part of a bigger picture of increasing the throughput of the complete 220 kV network from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Trebinje) to Albania (Vau Dejes).