Bulgaria’s Electricity System Operator (ESO) has received a significant grant from the United States to conduct a feasibility study for the East-West Energy Corridor. This ambitious project aims to connect energy networks from Turkey to Montenegro, with the potential to extend to Italy. The corridor will also involve Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, and Albania.
Grant Agreement and Project Goals
US Trade and Development Agency (USDTA) Director Enoh T. Ebong signed a USD 1.5 million grant agreement with ESO’s Executive Director Angelin Tsatchev. This grant is intended to advance new transmission infrastructure, facilitating the integration of renewables and boosting Bulgaria’s capacity to export electricity to neighboring countries. The East-West Energy Corridor aims to connect the electricity networks of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Albania, and Montenegro, with the potential extension to Italy.
Regional Connectivity and Collaboration
Although Serbia is not included in the project, Tsatchev noted that Serbia’s transmission system operator, Elektromreža Srbije (EMS), was consulted. The project’s viability was confirmed through meetings with all Transmission System Operators (TSOs).
Notably, the Monita cable already connects Montenegro with Italy. Serbia is part of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor extending from Romania to Montenegro. Additionally, several other energy projects are in development across the Balkans. Greece plans to install subsea interconnections with Italy, Cyprus, Egypt, and beyond. Meanwhile, Bulgaria and Romania are participating in a project for a power link with Georgia and Azerbaijan under the Black Sea.
Black and Veatch Selected for Feasibility Study
The feasibility study for the East-West Energy Corridor will include plans for two pumped storage hydropower plants in Bulgaria, as stated by the Ministry of Energy. This initiative is vital for the effective use of green energy to cover peak consumption in Southeastern Europe and to maintain grid stability.
USTDA’s engagement, leveraging US technologies, will help mitigate the climate crisis by supporting Bulgaria’s goals of decarbonizing its power sector and providing additional capacity for renewable energy resources. Ebong emphasized the importance of this project, revealing that consulting firm Black and Veatch would conduct the study.
Benefits for Consumers and the Environment
Bulgaria is striving to decarbonize its power sector through the phaseout of coal-fired power plants and the deployment of renewable energy sources. The rapid development of electricity infrastructure is crucial to enable sharing and efficient use of green energy as more renewables enter the energy mix in Southeastern Europe, Tsatchev stated.
The East-West Energy Corridor is expected to reduce costs for consumers and help lower emissions, according to US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten.
By fostering regional energy integration and advancing renewable energy infrastructure, this project marks a significant step towards a sustainable and interconnected energy future for Southeastern Europe.
