Serbia launches Central Balkan 400 kV Power Transmission Corridor project with €195 million investment

The joint-stock company Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) has awarded the Institute of Architecture and Urbanism of Serbia a contract worth 33,240,000 RSD including VAT (27.7 million RSD excluding VAT) to develop the spatial plan for the Central Balkan Power Transmission Corridor.

The project aims to directly increase capacity at the Serbia-Bulgaria border and construct a new 400 kV transmission line connecting the eastern and western parts of the region, replacing the old 220 kV network. The first section of the corridor, which involves building a new double-circuit line from Jagodina to Požarevac, is designed to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources in Southern Banat and the Kostolac area, as well as enhance electricity supply reliability for cities such as Jagodina, Kragujevac, and other parts of Central Serbia.

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The project is expected to be completed by 2034, with approximately 310 kilometers of new lines to be constructed in Serbia, along with two new 400 kV substations. Total investments across all sections are estimated at around €195 million. The Central Balkan Corridor aligns with previous initiatives such as the Trans-Balkan Corridor and the Northern (CSE) Energy Transmission Corridor.

The Institute of Architecture and Urbanism of Serbia will be responsible for creating a Special-Purpose Spatial Plan (PPPPN) and conducting a strategic environmental impact assessment for the Central Balkan Power Transmission Corridor. The project includes the construction of TS 400/110 kV Požarevac 3, the 2×400 kV double-circuit line TS Jagodina 4 – TS Požarevac 3, reconstruction of TS 400/110 kV Jagodina 4, the 400 kV line 401/4 TS Smederevo 3 – RP Drmno, integration into TS Požarevac 3, and the 400 kV line 401/2 RP Drmno – RP Đerdap 1.

Project sections:

• Section 1: Construction of a new 400 kV substation near Požarevac and a new double-circuit transmission line connecting it to the existing TS 400/110 kV Jagodina 4. Completion is expected in 2030.
• Section 2: Construction of a new cross-border transmission line connecting Serbia and Bulgaria, with substations to be finalized upon completion of the relevant studies. The line is expected to be operational by 2034.
• Section 3: Construction of a 400 kV line from TS Niš 2, through TS Kruševac 1, to TS Kraljevo 3. TS Kruševac 1 will also be upgraded to 400 kV. This section is expected to be completed by 2034.
• Section 4: Construction of a new transmission line from TS Kraljevo 3, through a new 400 kV RP Požega, to Vardište, connecting with the fourth section of the Trans-Balkan Corridor. Completion is planned for 2034.