European countries eye stronger energy security with Black Sea interconnector

A feasibility study has been initiated for a new electricity subsea interconnector project that will link the South Caucasus region to the synchronous grid of Continental Europe, with the purpose of strengthening energy security in Europe.

CESI, a joint-stock company headquartered in Milan, has been selected to carry out the feasibility study for the electric and digital interconnector between Georgia and Romania, designated as the GE-RO Interconnection Project.

The project is part of the ten-year network development plan of Georgia’s transmission system operator (TSO) Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE), which aims to further improve electricity supply reliability in the country and regional connectivity of the Georgian power system.

It is expected to contribute to the strengthening of energy security in Europe and the South Caucasus region, the development of the renewable energy sector and increase transit opportunities between the designated regions.

CESI is in charge of estimating an optimal interconnection capacity and providing the technical definition of the project, which includes HVDC converter technology, cables, design and overhead transmission lines.

The company will perform a detailed study of the power system, determine project construction cost and estimate the economic analysis of the project, as well as the financing options, in addition to overlooking the development of the implementation plan, procurement strategy, and preparation of bidding documents.

The duration of research and consulting services is 18 months.

The Black Sea interconnector envisages the construction of 1,100 kilometers of subsea cable and 95 kilometers of onshore cable connecting Georgia and Romania.

Based on preliminary data, the project will see the construction of double-circuit 500 kV between the existing 500 kV substation Jvari and the 500 kV substation Anaklia which is yet to be built. The next part will be two-pole 500 kV DC submarine cable Anaklia-Constanta.

In order to implement such connection, construction of a 500/500 kV DC converter station with an installed capacity of 2×500 MW at Anaklia substation is considered. According to GSE, the implementation may require additional reinforcement of high voltage network of mentioned interconnected power systems, set to be revealed after completion of the feasibility study.

The project will also feature an optic fiber cable (OFC), expected to enable the increase in broadband data traffic and help reduce the prices for Georgia and the overall South Caucasus region, as well as generate revenues from transit traffic to the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

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