The Reșița-Pancevo Interconnection Line is Completed

Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja: “Romania is doing what needs to be done by increasingly interconnecting with neighboring countries for a more secure energy system and lower utility bills. Other EU member states should follow our example!”

After the commercial operation of the second circuit of the 400 kV Reșița-Pancevo Transmission Line (LEA) in November 2024, following the partial commissioning of the new 400 kV Reșița substation, Transelectrica has announced the full commercial operation of the second circuit of the 400 kV Reșița-Pancevo double-circuit transmission line, namely the first circuit.

This achievement is an important step in strengthening the interconnection between Romania’s and Serbia’s electrical transmission networks, with Romania’s cross-border exchange capacity with Serbia now reaching up to 1,000 MW.

With the full commercial operation of both circuits of the 400 kV Reșița-Pancevo LEA, covering a total length of 131 kilometers, of which 63 kilometers are on Romanian territory, Romania now has 11 interconnection 400 kV transmission lines with its neighboring countries.

Sebastian Burduja, Minister of Energy: “I congratulate Transelectrica for the investments made in recent years, especially in the last year. Romania’s interconnection capacity, both for imports and exports, has increased, and we can now rely on up to 4,000 megawatts. It’s important to remind those extremists who lied to the Romanians that our national system is nearly collapsing when we import 2,800 or even 3,000 MW.

I reaffirm Romania’s commitment to the energy security of our region and our determination to eliminate any dependency on resources from those who have used energy as a tool for blackmail.

Every time, at the Council of Ministers’ table, I’ve supported the need for faster interconnections between all states. Romania is meeting its obligations under European regulations regarding the development of interconnections, and we are doing this with both EU and non-EU countries. Other states in Central Europe, the transit area for the single energy market, should follow our example. Only in this way will we have a functional European market, with lower prices for citizens and businesses.”

So far, Romania has signed contracts with Transelectrica for the development of the electricity transmission networks worth nearly 600 million euros, and with electricity distribution operators, a further 1.2 billion euros.

Through a record investment program in new electricity production capacities and new transmission and distribution lines, we will ensure secure, affordable, and clean energy. This is our priority.”

The full commercial commissioning of the Reșița-Pancevo interconnection line was completed as part of the second stage of the project to construct the 400 kV level at the Reșița Electrical Substation.

The 400 kV Reșița-Pancevo Overhead Transmission Line plays a significant role in strengthening the National Electric Power System and the network in Southeast Europe. It reduces cross-border congestion at the border between Romania and Serbia, enhances the security of electricity supply, increases transfer capacity between Romania and Serbia, and improves regional energy exchanges. Additionally, the 400 kV Reșița-Pancevo Overhead Transmission Line creates the technical and operational framework for connecting new electricity consumers and producers to the grid.