MACEDONIAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATOR

SYSTEM OPERATOR

PROJECT FOR 400 KV INTERCONNECTION

BETWEEN POWER SYSTEMS OF MACEDONIA & SERBIA

STUDY

FOR OPTIMIZATION OF CONNECTION POINT

OF NEW 400 KV INTERCONNECTION TO SERBIA

- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -

Skopje,
April, 2008
Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

Study Elizabeta S. Atanasova

Coordinator: AD MEPSO – Skopje
Power System Planning and Analyzes
betas@mepso.com.mk

Author Kliment Naumoski

of the Analysis: AD MEPSO – Skopje
Power System Planning and Analyzes
knaumoski@mepso.com.mk

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

CONTENT

1. BASIC INFO FOR THE PROJECT AND THE STUDY ................................................................... 4

2. VARIANTS FOR CONNECTION POINT .......................................................................................... 5
3. TECHNO-ECONOMICAL ANALYSIS .............................................................................................. 6
3.1. NETWORK MODELS AND POWER EXCHANGE SCENARIOS .................................................................... 6
3.2. TECHNICAL CRITERIA FOR NETWORK PLANNING ................................................................................ 8
3.3. RESULTS OF TECHNICAL ANALYSIS .................................................................................................... 8
3.4. ECONOMICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF VARIANTS .................................................................. 11
3.5. ECONOMICAL PARAMETERS OF VARIANTS ........................................................................................ 12
3.6. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF NEW INTERCONNECTION ......................................................................... 13
4. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................... 14

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

1. BASIC INFO FOR THE PROJECT AND THE STUDY

Transmission system operators of Macedonia (MEPSO) and Serbia (EMS) have initiated project
for construction of 400 kV interconnection line between their power systems. Two feasibility studies are
completed so far, investigating basic technical characteristics and viability of the project:
– Technical and Economical Aspects for Interconnection of Power Systems
of Serbia and Macedonia with 400 kV OHL Nis – Leskovac – (Vranje) – Skopje,
EKC & EPS – Belgrade, ESM – Skopje;
– Study for new 400 kV interconnection lines between Macedonia – Serbia
and Albania – Montenegro,
TEN – project, HTSO – Athens, ESM – Skopje, EKC & EPS – Belgrade, EPCG – Podgorica,
KESH – Tirana.
At present there are three interconnection lines between electric power system of Macedonia and
neighbouring system on the north: one OHL on 400 kV voltage level and two 220 kV OHL-s that connect
regions of Skopje and Kosovo. Skopje is region in the country with the largest demand. Electricity supply of
Skopje region is mainly covered from TPP Bitola production and imports through north interface and
distributed by two 400 kV nodes: SS Skopje 5 and SS Skopje 4. In a last few years, unavailability of 220 kV
interconnections that are out of operation since 1999 has deteriorated reliability of power systems in the
region.
Unavailability of 220 kV OHL-s to Kosovo affects electricity exchange in north – south direction,
mostly in summer months while Greece has peak demand and big imports from other power systems.
Transmission capacity of the whole interconnection north – south is decreased: Nis – Kosovo – Skopje –
Dubrovo – Thessaloniki. Outage of 400 kV busbars in SS Kosovo is especially dangerous regime. Electricity
flowing to south overload the rest of interconnection links (220 kV OHL Prizren – Fierza, 220 kV OHL
Podgorica – Vau Dejes and 400 kV OHL Blagoevgrad – Thessaloniki) that can lead to cascade outages and
power supply interruptions of particular regions. In fact, similar events have been reason for blackout of
systems in Macedonia, part of Greece, Serbia and Montenegro on 25th August 2007. Situation is critical in
the period of overhauls of other capital electricity facilities as well. Constantly increasing bulk power
exchange between/through EPS-s of Macedonia and Serbia impose construction of new interconnection line
necessary.
New link toward north will significantly improve quality, flexibility and reliability of power supply
of Skopje. Construction of this 400 kV line is important for both systems. It will improve security, reliability
and operability of the wider region and create conditions for larger amount of electricity exchange.
Realization of 400 kV OHL to Nis (SER), together with recently established 400 kV OHL Bitola
(MKD) – Florina (GRE) and ongoing construction of 400 kV OHL Stip (MKD) – Chervena Mogila (BUL)
will strengthen electricity corridor north – south, multiplying transmission capacities.
According to preliminary plans for new 400 kV interconnection, it will be designed as single circuit
400 kV line with lattice type steel towers with bundle of two conductors per phase, type Al/Fe 490/65
mm2/mm2. On the Serbian territory, OHL starts at 400/220 kV SS Nis. In order to improve power supply in
southern part of Serbia, two new 400 kV substation will be build and connected on this line: SS Vranje and
SS Leskovac. Length of the line from SS Nis to Macedonian – Serbian border is about 150 km.
Connection point on Macedonian side is still not defined. Interconnection may be connected either
in one of existing 400/110 kV substations in Skopje, SS Skopje 5 or SS Skopje 4, or in planned 400/110 kV
SS Stip. Having intention to make right choice of connection point on Macedonian territory of new
interconnection, MEPSO carried out techno-economical analyses that identify the best solution.

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

2. VARIANTS FOR CONNECTION POINT

MEPSO experts considered a lot of variants for connection point during preparation phase of the
project for new interconnection. On the beginning, variants have been analyzed from the viewpoint of
availability of spatial corridors for OHL-s, possibilities for accessing and upgrading candidate substations as
well as possibilities for practical accomplishment of variants and economical characteristics of investment.

Figure 1. Corridors (in dark blue) for new interconnections to northern EPS-s
In the meantime, creation of second interconnection link between system of Kosovo and
Macedonia has been initiated. For this purpose is foreseen to use at least one of existing 220 kV OHL-s
Skopje 1 – Kosovo A, by refurbishment of one of the lines or by using the corridor for construction of new
line on 400 kV voltage level. Existing 220 kV lines Skopje 1 – Kosovo A are out of operation for a long time
and are highly deteriorated on the territory of Kosovo. Decision on voltage level of second interconnection to
Kosovo is interdependent on future of 220 kV voltage level in Macedonia. Development plans of
Macedonian EPS do not consider expansion of 220 kV level, but plan is to discard this voltage level. That
means that second link to Kosovo should be implemented on 400 kV voltage level with adequate choice of
connection point in Macedonian network. Variants in the Study consider these possibilities as well, making
an effort for simultaneous optimization of two new links towards north: second line to Kosovo and new 400
kV line to Nis (i.e. to Vranje – Leskovac – Nis).
Based on aforementioned findings and conclusions, few variants are defined and techno-
economical analyzes are performed.

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

Nis Nis
Kosovo B Sofia Kosovo B Sofia
Kosovo A

Skopje 4 Skopje 4
Skopje 5 C. Mogila Skopje 5 C. Mogila

Stip

Bitola Dubrovo Blagoevgrad Bitola Dubrovo Blagoevgrad

Florina Thessaloniki Florina Thessaloniki

situation 2007 1 2
Nis
Kosovo B Sofia

Kumanovo
Skopje 4
Skopje 5 C. Mogila

Stip

Bitola Dubrovo Blagoevgrad

Florina Thessaloniki

3а 3b 3c

Figure 2. Variants for connection point

3. TECHNO-ECONOMICAL ANALYSIS

3.1. NETWORK MODELS AND POWER EXCHANGE SCENARIOS

Transmission network model

Planning model for the reference year 2015 is used in analyzes. This model represents the
development of Macedonian power system in mid-term period according to foreseen new plants and
substations. Macedonian model is integrated in SECI regional model for 2010, whereas all planned
interconnections from Macedonia to neighbouring systems are assumed in operation:
– 400 kV OHL Bitola – Florina (Greece);
– 400 kV OHL Dubrovo – Stip – C. Mogila and 400/110 kV SS Stip;
– 400 kV OHL Bitola – Elbasan – Tirana – Durres (Albania) – Foggia (Italy);
– Commencement of additional interconnection to Kosovo on 400 kV voltage level.
Peak load demand is considered; this regime is typical in winter period (December – January),
assuming normal climate and hydrological conditions. Concerning Macedonian electricity balance, forecast
demand is 1740.5 MW; in the base case 100 MW are coming from import and the rest is covered by
domestic production.

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

Electricity exchange scenarios

Long-term development strategy for production capacities in South-eastern Europe defines
different locations for new power plants. Kosovo has ambitious development program for production of
electricity that will be partially export, although Kosovo is expected to have deficit on a short and medium
terms. Bulgaria intends to develop production facilities and to keep its exporter status. Romania is also large
exporter in SEE region and likely will have the same role in the future. Power balance of Greece depends on
hydrological conditions. Grand development plans of Greece in wind power should be also considered.
Establishment of regional electricity market will give incentive for numerous electricity trading
arrangements on daily and long term basis. From the other side, Italy as a system with highest electricity
price in Europe, significantly higher then price levels in Balkans, is orienting on utilization and benefit from
cost-effective capacities in SEE countries with extra power.
It is obvious that will be huge and highly assessable number and direction of transactions across
regional network. However, three scenarios of electricity exchanges investigated in these analyzes is
expected to reflect most typical and most probable operational regimes in transmission network.

MW
0
50

150 MW

50
0M
W
Figure 3. Scenario 1: North → South 1500 MW

10
0 0M
W
200
WM

Figure 4. Power balance in SEE

for base case exchange scenario

Figure 5. Scenario 2: East → West 1000 MW

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

3.2. TECHNICAL CRITERIA FOR NETWORK PLANNING

Minimum level of network technical redundancy must be provided all the time in order to insure
normal operation of the system, even in contingency cases with unavailable elements. It is clear that is
impractical to achieve satisfying redundancy that can insure all combination of unavailable elements.
Therefore, TSO-s have different operative and planning criteria which are using to achieve high efficiency
and acceptable level of network reliability.

3.3. RESULTS OF TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

N – 0 and N – 1 analysis
During N–0 analysis (regimes without contingency events), for all variants of connection point,
there are not detected overloaded elements neither voltage deviation out of defined values in transmission
system.
System’s adequacy is checking with N–1 criterion. These outages have been simulated:
- all interconnections in SEE transmission system;
- all elements (lines, transformers and generators) in Macedonian transmission system;
- 220 and 400 kV lines in systems of Greece, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Serbia and Albania.
While analyzing variants, regime parameters are monitored if there value is out of voltage and
thermal limits.
If some variant is detected that breach technical criteria, then this variant is eliminated like
unfavourable. Usually, variants which have more problematical contingency regimes are not taken in further
analysis.
N–1 analyses have detected a few problematical regimes with outages on specific elements in the
region. Described regimes are appearing in all three scenarios of exchange, in the basic topology and in all
variants of connection point. Critical regimes have a local character and depend of network’s local
configuration. These problems are not influenced neither are solved with suggested variants for realization of
new interconnections toward the north systems. Analyses for all variants confirm that they fill N–1 criteria.
According to the National Grid code for electricity transmission, extreme and less probable
outages, like faults on busbars do not need to be included in the planning. Moreover, the transmission
network of the ex-Yugoslav countries is built according to the same principle with acceptable risks of
busbars outages. However, some of the variants deserve to be analyzed from the aspect of busbars outages
and their consequences on the global performance of the network. Two of the variants are predicting network
configuration with a bus with three interconnections; it is SS Skopje 5 in variant 1 and SS Kumanovo in
variant 3b. That means that during an outage of 400 kV busbars in SS Skopje 5, i.e. SS Kumanovo, three
interconnections will be disconnected and the transit in the region will be endangered. In the other variants,
the maximum number of interconnections connected at the same point is two. Variants 1 and 3b are
evaluated as less acceptable according to this criterion.
Active power losses
In the basic network topology of base case exchange scenario, losses of active power in the
Macedonian power system are 23.7 MW and in the regional network are 1726.2 MW. New interconnections
with the northern systems are reducing losses of the active power in the regional transmission network (from
1.41 MW in variant 1 to 2.05 MW in variant 3b). Because of the increased transits, losses in the Macedonian
system are increasing for a small value (from 60 kW to 150 kW depending on the variant).
Compared to the base case exchange scenario, additional transit of 1500 MW from north to south
generates bigger losses in the regional transmission network. New interconnections with the northern
systems are reducing active power losses in the regional transmission system (from 1.49 MW in variant 3a to

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

4.12 MW in variant 3c). Losses in the Macedonian system in variants 2, 3a and 3b are increased for a small
amount, and due to improved flow distribution in variant 1 and 3c losses are smaller for 200 kW and 60 kW,
respectively.
Similar to this, in scenario 2, new interconnections with the northern systems are reducing losses of
active power in the regional transmission network (from 1.87 MW in variant 1 to 4 MW in variant 3b).
Because of the increased transit, losses in the Macedonian system are increased for a small value (from
50 kW to 600 kW, depending on the variant).

Base case scenario Scenario 2

Scenario 1
1732 1850
Losses in SEE Losses in SEE 1760
Losse in SEE
1731 [MW] [MW]
1849 1759 [MW]

1730 1848 1758

1729 1847 1757

1728 1846 1756

1727 1845 1755

1726 1844 1754

1725 1843 1753

1724 1842 1752

1723 1841 1751

1840 1750
1722
var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c
var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c

Figure 6. Active power losses in EPS-s in SEE

Active power transits
In base case exchange scenario with the basic network topology, transits of active power in the
Macedonian transmission system are 220 MW. Transits through our network are increased as a result of
building the new interconnection lines, from 39 MW in variant 1 to 103 MW in variant 3b.
In the basic network topology for exchange scenario 1, transits of active power through the
Macedonian transmission network are about 387 MW. With building new interconnection lines, bigger
transits through our country are achieved (up to 46.5 MW in variant 3c).
Active power transits through the Macedonian transmission system for scenario 2, in the basic
network topology, are about 453 MW. With building new interconnection lines, bigger transits are achieved
in range from 41 MW in variant 1 to 134 MW in variant 3b.

Base case scenario Scenario 2

Scenario 1
350 600.0
MKD transit 450 MKD transit
MKD transit
[MW] [MW]
[MW]
325 425 575.0

300 400 550.0

275 375 525.0

250 350 500.0

225 325 475.0

300
200 450.0
var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c
var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c

Figure 7. Active power transits through EPS of Macedonia

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

Transmission capacities
In calculation of transmission capacities, the exchange of energy can be simulated between
following areas:
– TBC for northern Macedonian interface
[BUL + SER + MN] ↔ [MKD + GRE +ALB]
– TBC for southern Macedonian interface
[MKD + BUL + SER + MN] ↔ [GRE +ALB]

RO

BIH
SR

BG
MN

MK
AL

GR

Figure 8. Definition of import/export areas for TBC calculation

In most of the cases, during calculation of transmission capacities, critical event is outage of one
circuit of double circuit 400 kV line Sofia West – C. Mogila, which leads to overloading of the second
circuit. Only in calculation of transmission capacities of the southern interface in variants 3a and 3b, outage
of the new 400 kV interconnection Filippi (Greece) – Maritza East (Bulgaria) can cause overloading of the
planned 400 kV interconnection Kexru (near to Filippi, Greece) – Babaeski (Turkey).
Analyses show that bottlenecks of the cross border transmission are located in the eastern parts of
the regional transmission network. Building new interconnections will strengthen the network and the major
part of the transits will be drawn in the middle part, through Macedonian network. Consequently, flows on
overloaded critical lines are reduced and transmission capacities of the network are increased.
Variant 3b has the smallest influence on increasing TBC, in reference to basic network topology.
Variant 3a has the biggest growth of TBC on the northern interface of 259 MW. This variant causes the
biggest increase of the capacity for the whole region also, for over 500 MW. Variant 2 causes the biggest
increase of the capacity on the southern interface for over 187 MW.

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

North interconnection South interconnection

700 1000
TBC [MW] TBC [MW]

650 950

600 900

550 850

500 800

450 750

400 700
var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c var 0 var 1 var 2 var 3a var 3b var 3c

Figure 9. Graphical representation of transmission capacities

Short-circuit currents
For normal operation of the power system it is necessary to fulfill following condition: maximum
value of short-circuit current in each bus of the system must be smaller in reference to breaking current of the
devices installed in that bus. During the planning, the maximum level of the short-circuit faults is checked in
order to confirm compatibility of existing equipment and dimensioning the new equipment, using medium
term forecast model. The calculations are made according to an optimistic scenario for the expansion of the
system, supposing that all major projects for the expansion of the network are already released.
The biggest short-circuit current are expected at 110 kV busbars in SS Skopje 1 and SS Skopje 4.
Variant 1 has the maximal growth of 3-phase and 1-phase fault in Skopje 1 and Skopje 4, their values are
2.4 kA/ 2.3 kA and 1.9 kA/1.8 kA, respectively. 1-phase fault on 110 kV busbars in SS Skopje 1 is 38.3 kA.
This value can be considered critical because it almost reaches rated breaking power of high voltage
equipment in the substation. Primary reason for high value of short circuit fault is high density of 400 kV
lines and production units at/near this bus (in variant 1 there are three interconnections at Skopje 5*). This
value is unacceptably high and is recommended to avoid variant 1 as a potential solution.

3.4. ECONOMICAL CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF VARIANTS

Economical comparison of the variants is done with the profitability index method by
determination of cost/benefit ratio. Costs/benefits of the variants are converted to equivalent annual value
and profitability index r is calculating.
B
r= .
( O)
A +

B (benefit) is equivalent benefit per year from:

– Reduced losses of active power and energy;
– Revenue from the increased transmission capability due to revenue of renting transmission
capacity in cases of congestion;

*
In fact, Skopje 5 and Skopje 1 is the same substation, where Skopje 1 refers to 110 kV busbars and
switchyards and Skopje 5 refers to 400 kV busbars and switchyards. Skopje 5 and Skopje 1 are connected with two
400/110 kV autotransformers, with 300 MVA each unit.

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Study for Optimization of Connection Point of new 400 kV Interconnection to Serbia

– Revenue from transit redistribution.

Equivalent costs per year (A+O) include annuity of investments A and operational costs O.

3.5. ECONOMICAL PARAMETERS OF VARIANTS

Investment costs
In Table 1 are given investment costs for execution of Macedonian part of planned
interconnections, for different variants. Standard planning values of construction prices for 400 kV
transmission lines and line switchgears are used.

Table 1. Investment costs

double circuit OHL

Investment in OHL

in OHL switchgear
single circuit OHL

OHL switchgear

Investment
Investment
unit price

unit price

unit price
length of

length of

[€/unit]
[€/km]

[€/km]

[units]

Total
[km]

[km]

[€]

[€]
Variant 1 74 14,800,000 2 1,800,000 16,600,000
Variant 2 89 17,800,000 2 1,800,000 19,600,000
Variant 3a 38 200,000 28 325,000 16,700,000 4 900,000 3,600,000 20,300,000
Variant 3b 75 28 24,100,000 4 3,600,000 27,700,000
Variant 3c 85 12 20,900,000 4 3,600,000 24,500,000
Revenue from reduction of active power losses
In the base network topology losses of active power in different exchange scenarios (without new
interconnections) are reference values for estimating the variation of losses in different variants. Price for
electricity losses is equal to market electricity price and is estimated on 75 €/MWh.
Revenue from capacity allocation
Building of new interconnection is expecting to increase transmission capacity of network in north-
south direction. According to the rule “no congestion – no payment” there is possibility increased capacity to
satisfy the demand of transmission capacity and it will brings abolition of costs for capacity allocation. But if
it is supposed that southern power systems (Macedonia, Greece, Albania and Italy) will have deficit of power
in the future, it is more likely that the demand of transmission capacity will be always bigger then the offer.
MEPSO have on disposal half of the revenues from allocation of transmission capacity of system
interconnections. Supposed price for capacity allocation is 5 €/MWh.
Revenues from redistribution of transits
Transits through Macedonian system are growing with building the transmission network and
increasing the number of interconnections. Therefore, with building the new interconnection, MEPSO is
expecting to make additional profit from the increased transits, and the value of this revenue is a different for
a different variant of connection point. In the next period, transit’s price is expected to be above 2.5 €/MWh.

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Total revenues
In Table 2 are given total revenues. Biggest positive effects have variant 3c and smallest have
variant 3a.

Table 2. Total Benefits B

Transmission
Losses Transit Total
Capacity
Reduction Increase Benefit
Alocation
Variant 1 1,908,990 730,575 878,730 3,518,295
Variant 2 1,903,680 941,400 1,141,920 3,987,000
Variant 3a 1,250,820 928,800 952,110 3,131,730
Variant 3b 1,452,600 668,025 1,428,810 3,549,435
Variant 3c 2,045,160 951,300 1,087,350 4,083,810
Profitability index
In Table 3 is given profitability index for all variants.

Table 3. Profitability index r

Ranking I i n A O B r
Variant 1 16,600,000 1,543,130 902,000 3,518,295 1.44
Variant 2 19,600,000 1,822,008 1,052,000 3,987,000 1.39
Variant 3a 20,300,000 9% 40 1,887,080 1,159,000 3,131,730 1.03
Variant 3b 27,700,000 2,574,981 1,529,000 3,549,435 0.86
Variant 3c 24,500,000 2,277,510 1,369,000 4,083,810 1.12
According to economic analysis the biggest benefit are achieved with variant 1 and variant 2.
Variant 2 is on the second place because of bigger investment costs. Considering the fact that the corridor for
connections in variant 1 pass through urban territory, increasing of contingency costs could be expected.
Also, preliminary length of the connection to Stip in variant 2 is coarse estimation which can be reduced in
following optimization process of the corridor. These are the facts that make variant 2 economical
competitive to variant 1.
Benefits from other three variants 3a, 3b and 3c are smaller. These three variants propose
premature investment in 400 kV switchgear in Kumanovo; in fact Kumanovo substation should be
commissioned later. Even in variant 3, which brings the biggest revenue, it is not possible to justify
premature investment of switchgear in Kumanovo.

3.6. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF NEW INTERCONNECTION

Three applied revenues are chosen because provide clear comparison between the different variants
for connection point and because they give opportunity to quantify and choose the optimal solution. This
revenue has direct influence of MEPSO’s income and can be accurately estimated.
Economy analysis of this study has no intention to show economical justification of investment for
the new interconnection. But it is worth mentioning that beside considered revenues, due to construction of
the interconnection other profits will be realized as well, which are difficult for quantitative valorisation.
Firstly, new interconnection will contribute in levelling the power price in the region. In the region,
Greece’s system has a deficit of power and during whole year it buys power from other countries in order to
cover own consumption. Romania and Bulgaria are countries in the region that have power surplus. Bosnia
and Herzegovina is country that has power surpluses in the specific periods. In the same time, there is a
difference in power price between the countries that exports and the countries that imports power. Always
the bigger power price is in the countries that imports power because of the additional costs for allocation of
transmission capacity, transit fee and traders’ revenue. Larger transmission capacity and more developed

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power market leads to lower power price in the countries that imports. Also, countries that exports electricity
profit from opening the market because can offer their products for a bigger price.
Different countries in the region have peak load in different periods of the year. Because the new
interconnection transmission capacities are enlarged it allows to use bigger part of the other countries’
reserve in order to cover regimes with peak load. It reduces the investment in installed production capacity of
national power reserve.
Increased transmission capacity and market development are condition for promoting the regional
dispatch which brings lower production costs on global level because of accessibility of units with a different
type of prime movers and low price for production.
Other effects come from telecommunication services which are achieving by installing optical
grounding wires in new interconnections. This feature eliminates EMS’s and MEPSO’s costs for renting
telecommunication channels and at the same time there is possibility to offer telecommunication service to
third parties.
New interconnection reduces the need for exchange of reactive power in the region. After
commissioning the interconnection, it will generate above 100 MVAr which will be injected in the network.
It is very difficult to quantify economically the needs of reactive power in the region.
New interconnection is very important in increasing the security of supply in the Macedonian and
Greek power systems, because it reduces the risk of appearance of unreliable regimes and partial blackouts in
the southern systems which have already happened few times in the past.

4. CONCLUSION

Techno-economical analyzes has launched variant 2 as the most adequate solution for connection
point of new 400 kV interconnections to north. Following topology is recommended in variant 2:
– For second 400 kV line to Kosovo to use corridor of one of existing 220 kV OHL-s Skopje 1 –
Kosovo A and to connect line in SS Skopje 5.
– New 400 kV interconnection to Serbia to be connected at new 400/110 kV SS Stip.
Variant 1 is also economically competitive, which proposes both new interconnections to be
connected at SS Skopje 5. Even though this variant fulfils all predefined technical criteria, some
disadvantages from technical viewpoint can be detected.
Specifically, in SS Skopje 5 are foreseen three interconnection lines. In case of outage of 400 kV
busbars in SS Skopje 5, all three interconnections will be disconnected and regional transits can be seriously
jeopardized. Busbars contingency are not standard criterion in procedure for network planning and selection
between different network expansion plans, but in this case it is recommended to impose this criterion as
supplementary condition for variants evaluation. In addition, 110 kV busbars at SS Skopje 1* have largest
short-circuit current in Macedonian network. For this node can be expected problems in the future
concerning characteristics of existing high-voltage equipment that can be endangered with too high short-
circuit stress. In variant 1 short circuit can be driven up to 40 kA. Main reason for these values of short
circuits is large concentration of lines and power plants at/near this node.
Therefore, it is recommended variant 1 to be skipped as possible solution and to proceed further
with variant 2.

*
In fact, Skopje 5 and Skopje 1 is the same substation, where Skopje 1 refers to 110 kV busbars and
switchyards and Skopje 5 refers to 400 kV busbars and switchyards. Skopje 5 and Skopje 1 are connected with two
400/110 kV autotransformers, with 300 MVA each unit.

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Figure 10. Optimal solution for connection point of new interconnections to northern EPS-s

Nis
Kosovo B Sofia

Kumanovo
SEZAP Skopje 4
C. Mogila
Skopje 5
HPP Vrutok
HPP B. Most

Stip
HPP Spilje
HPP Globocica

Dubrovo Blagoevgrad
Ohrid Bitola Mariovo

Florina Thessaloniki

Figure 11. Vision for network development in Macedonia on long-term horizon

15