Trans-European Energy Networks and their extensions to Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries.
The study deals with the Mediterranean electricity grids (existing infrastructure and projects) while the other sectors were carried out by OME which was the main contractor. Due to the nature of the study, most of the data have obtained from official announcements, special reports, feasibility studies and reports from the Tunis Conference of 27-28 March 1995 and from OME
The members of the energy group who participated in the elaboration of this study are Dr. Dim. Mavrakis Ass. Professor, Dr. G. Stefanou Ass. Professor, E. Karidoyannis Power Eng., B.Sc.-M.Sc., S. Vassos Electr. Eng., B.Sc., M.Sc, C.Tassos Electr. Eng., B.Sc., M.Sc.
Sincere thanks are due to Mr. Eric Nogaret scientific manager of OME for his creative contribution and multiple assistance during the elaboration of this study.
Athens 26 September 1995
Dr. Dim. Mavrakis
Ass. Professor
Predicaments that surpass national borders and the expectation that their common strife will prove beneficial to all form the basis of the ongoing discussions and the augmentative co-operation between the Mediterranean countries. The successful confrontation of challenge such as the demographic growth, environmental protection and the aim for higher economic growth of the less developed areas, is directly related to the stability of the broader region.
The understanding of the magnitude of the problems and the benefits that may result, leads to the conclusion that striving for peace, stability, economic development and environmental protection requires the formation of a structured initiative frame, widely accepted by all the parts involved.
The energy sector offers opportunities of mutual and beneficial co-operation, especially when taking into account the energy needs, the structure of the demand, the potential of development and exploitation of the energy resources of the Mediterranean Non - Member Countries Member Countries (MNC), in combination to their demographic and economic growth.
European UnionÆs strategic interest for Trans-European Energy Networks are expressed through three main objectives which aim to the security of supply, by improving efficiency and reliability and by diversifying supply routes and sources, to the broadening of the Internal Energy Market, by providing appropriate infrastructures and by encouraging interesting parties to benefit from an economic zone without internal frontiers and to economic and social cohesion, by supporting the development of isolated, peripheral or less favoured areas of the Union; not to mention the emphasis and great interest given to the environmental protection aspects.
In order to promote economic development of MNC countries, the Trans-European Energy Networks should be expanded to cover the whole mediterranean region.
THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS IN EUROPE
The European high voltage electric grid was mainly developed during the second half of this century contemplating the various stages of social and economic development.
Despite the present vast expansion of its electric networks, Europe still faces a number of challenges related to the development of larger in capacity interconnections, aiming to the removal of existing discontinuities of national boundaries, the interconnection of the countries and regions which are isolated or insufficiently equipped and the further improvement quality of services (e.g. voltage and frequency consistency).
The main characteristics of electric networks in the Southern European countries can be summarized as follows.
There is the group of the European Union countries (Spain, France, Italy and Greece) with a total net production of 830 TWh and installed capacity of 217 GW (1993). They are part of the UCPTE System.
Their dense electric networks and their interconnections serve successfully the multiple needs of their systems operating in parallel. Important electricity exchanges are taking place which lead to major economic and technical benefits.
The existing infrastructure will be able to cover the needs in the coming decades with minor reinforcements.
The development of electricity exchanges with Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries may drive to a more ambitious development of the electric network in the long term.
War conflicts and political instability in the former Yugoslavia have mostly disconnected the networks of this area. The once synchronous operation of Albania, Greece and Former Yugoslavia with the rest of UCPTE members remains inactive.
The studies of the european electric interconnected network show that the existing 400 kV network with some minor reinforcements will sufficiently cover the European electricity needs in the coming decades providing that the participating countries will mainly remain self sufficient.
This inteconnected network will progressively be connected to neighbouring regions and, in particular, to North Africa and the Middle East.
This implies that the European Union should reinforce its peripheral countries transmission nodes and networks encouraging the interconnection with its future partners. At the same time well structured assistance and co-operation programmes should allow for the development of compatible electric networks from which both the targets of interconnections and regional development may be achieved.
LARGE INTERCONNECTIONS PROJECTS
The underway large electrical interconnection projects that will further contribute to the network security and increase in the electricity trade in southern Europe are presented herein briefly:
Italy - Greece.
The purpose of this project is the connection of the Greek network (at present isolated) to that of Italy and to the interconnected European network (the UCPTE network).The project consists of the following elements:
submarine cable: 160 km long, from Porto Badisco (Italy-Puglia) to Aetos (Greece-Ipiros). 500 MW/400 kV DC, one of the deepest cables in the world (1000 m deep near Corfu):
overhead lines: to Galatina in Italy (45 km) and to Arachthos in Greece (190 km)
conversion stations: DC/AC at Galatina and Arachtos
The total cost is 300 million ECU(75% of the investment will be burden by Italy and 25% by Greece).
Italy - France.
The purpose of the project is to increase the capacity of the interconnection between France and Italy while improving security of supply. The interconnection capacity will be doubled. The project involves the construction of 151 km long (95 km in France and 56 km in Italy) overhead lines (400 kV/2 x2 000 MVA). The total cost is 170 million ECU (110 million for France and 60 million for Italy). Commissioning is foreseen for 1998
France - Spain
The purpose of the project is to increase the electricity exchange capacity between the electrical systems of the Iberian peninsula and those of France and the rest of Europe. The project consists of 242 km long (55 km in France and 187 km in Spain) overhead lines (400 kV/2 X 1 600 MVA). The total cost is 115 million ECU (60 million in France and 55 million in Spain).
Spain - Portugal.
The project will significantly increase the capacity of interconnection between Spain and Portugal.The electricity interconnections between Spain and Portugal comprise the following three complementary projects:
Northern interconnection: Meson (E) - Cartelle (E) - Lindoso (P) - Recarei(Peggy ARISS); 3 sections:
€ Meson (E) - Cartelle (E) - Lindoso (P) : the interconnection line between the two countries;
€ Lindoso (P) - Riba dÆ Ave (P) - Recarei (P): the construction of a second line to reinforce the capacity over this section;
€ Cartelle (E) - Trives (E) : the construction of this new line will complete the transmission infrastructure in Galicia and improve the security and reliability of the Northern interconnection.
North-eastern interconnection: Recarei (P) - Douro International (P) - Aldeadavila (E). This project concerns the reinforcement of a line in Portugal and the construction of a few kilometers of new lines in Spain.
Central connection: Rio Maior (P) - Pego (P). Reinforcement of this line within Portugal.
The guaranteed capacity of interconnection between Spain and Portugal will grow from 300 MW to 1 800 MW (35% of the peak load in Portugal). The total cost of these three projects amounts to 110 million ECU
With these interconnection and with a number of marginal upgrading of the country transmission systems, it seems that the South European network will be capable to satisfy the power exchanges between the European countries for the time horizon 2020.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRICITY NETWORKS IN THE SOUTHERN-EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES
Most of the countries in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region share a common cultural background. The main challenge for local economies in the coming future will be the achievement of sufficient economic growth in order to confront with the demographic growth..
Electricity networks, under certain conditions, offer the ground of effective co-operation towards the aforementioned aim. Countries of this region should be encouraged to develop proper infrastructure in electric networks so they will be able to exploit their natural resources and cover their needs in the most economical way. Electricity networks should not only expand to cover local needs but to create the necessary grid for the promotion of electricity trade amongst the electric utilities within the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries.
It is expected that until the beginning of the new millennium all countries of this region will be electrically interconnected under the implementation of various projects already under construction, but the strategic challenge in Electricity sector may be the development of a HV grid extending from Morocco to Turkey; allowing access of the consuming centers to the oil and natural gas deposits in south and the hydro power sites of east Mediterranean.
ON-GOING AND POSSIBLE PROJECTS
The growth in electrical demand in the MNC countries is expected to be eminently significant. By the year 2010,the load is expected to lead to the construction of new power generating capacity reaching a total of almost 82 GW, including the new construction for the replacement of old existing units to be decommissioned during the same period .
The required investments for covering these power needs, are estimated to be in the order of 110 billion $. It should also be noted, that, 95 billion $ must be added to the above investment for the development of the required transmission and distribution networks to supply the additional customers and load demand.
The investment needs of the MNC in the electricity sector between 1995 and 2010, are estimated to be approximately 200 billion $, based on the national predictions and expansion plans of these countries. This is a rather ambitious target that must be based on foreign investment activities, taking into account that the GDP of these countries was about 320 billion ECUÆs in 1991.
In the last five years,the Mediterranean Non Members Countries - MNC - have undertaken major efforts to develop the interconnection of their electricity networks which, at the exception of the ones of the Maghreb countries, are operating independently.
In order to interconnect their electricity networks, major studies have been carried out to define the best technical options, financing schemes have been implemented and, for most of the projects, constructions has already started. By year 2000, with the completion of the scheduled projects, all countries will be interconnected and an electrical loop will be created around the Mediterranean sea.
The main projects are the following ones:
Spain-Morocco
A submarine AC link at 400 kV under the straight of Gibraltar (length: km) and the reinforcement of the network in Morocco. This link is under construction and will be in operation in 1996. Cost: 180 M$
Morocco-Algeria-Tunisia-Libya Interconnection
Morocco-Algeria-Tunisia are already interconnected with lines at 220 kV (the second link between Morocco and Algeria was put into operation in 1992). The feasibility study for the link between Tunisia and Libya has been performed and financing is being sought for the construction of the 220 kV line; estimated cost:100 M$.
The reinforcement of the existing interconnections in the Maghreb countries through the construction of 1300 km of national lines and 500 km of international lines (220 kV) is planned and financing is being sought; the cost is estimated at 220 M$.
In 1997, the network of the Maghreb countries will be interconnected synchronously with UCPTE through the Spain-Morocco link.
Libya-Egypt interconnection
The construction of a 220 kV line linking the two countries is under progress. The cost of the first stage is estimated at 77 M$
Egypt-Jordan Interconnection
The interconnection lines at 500 and 400 kV between Egypt and Jordan through the Sinai and the Aqaba Gulf (with a 20 km undersea cable) is being constructed. The operation is planned for 1997. Cost: 150 M$, full foreign cost is financed by Arab Fund AFESD.
Jordan-Syria-Turkey Interconnection
The studies have been completed to connect the three countries with 400 kV lines and the construction will start soon. The operation is planned for December 1997. Cost: about 180M$ of which Jordan-Syria and reinforcements: 160 M$.
Egypt-Israel-Palestinian National Autonomy-Jordan
The study to interconnect the networks has recently being completed; the interconnection would consist mostly of 500 and 400 kV lines through the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, Israel, the West Band and Jordan along with a reinforcement of the Egypt-Jordan Interconnection. Financing is now being sought to implement the project. Cost: 300 to 600 M$ depending on the option chosen.
Turkey to Greece
The study has been performed to choose the best technical option which will consist of 400 kV lines between Hamitabat in Turkey and Philipi in Greece (length: 320 km). The estimated cost of the project is 300M$.
The completion of these projects would enable large benefits related in particular to savings in installed capacity, better frequency control, possible of daily or seasonal exchanges to optimise fuel savings and power plants operation along with sales of firm power from countries which have surplus capacity and energy resources (in particular natural gas).
CONCLUSIONS-PROPOSALS
The need for peace, stability and economic development in the area of Mediterranean basin may be achieved throughout the encouragement of close co-operation between the countries of the European Union and the Mediterranean Non Members (MNC) countries.
The successful evolution of the peace process in Middle East has created a positive momentum encouraging efforts of co-operation between all interested parties.
Fast demographic growth in the countries of the south-eastern area imposes the acceleration of economic development rates through structured programmes of co-operation with the EU countries.
Electricity is a field of co-operation covering the exploitation and rational use of energy resources, the construction and rehabilitation of power plants, the enforcement and extension of transmission/distribution networks and the integration of the interconnections between national networks around the Mediterranean basin.
Interconnection of electric networks of MNC will contribute towards their regional integration and socio-economic balance by securing more safe and economic electric energy to the different sectors of their economies.
Co-operation in this sector will also create the technical, institutional and vocational infrastructure for electricity trade between MNC and EU.
Therefore the most promising field of co-operation, concerning electric networks in Mediterranean is their development in the southern and eastern coasts in a level that will allow them to become compatible and co-operative with the existing networks in Europe.
This implies not only the gradual construction of an appropriate 400 kV network covering the aforementioned areas but also the creation of the respective institutional and legal environment, which will allow the economical exploitation of the installed powerplants and optimum electricity exchanges in order to maximise economic benefits.
Towards this goal the EU can play a very significant role activating and encouraging mechanisms of technology transfer, knowledge dissemination and foremost investment. There is also a tremendous amount of accumulated knowledge in the fields of electricity trade development, through the experience of UCPTE which can be disseminated in order to prepare the gradual integration with Europe.
At a first step towards co-operation within the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries the following actions may be immediately undertaken.
Support for financing of electricity interconnections and of reinforcement of national networks in the southern mediterrranean countries in order to achieve before 2000 an interconnected electric loop all around the mediterranean.
In parrallel to financial support a number of accompanying measures should be undertaken in order to achieve maximum benefits from the interconnections.
Even though a number of studies concerning economic and technical issues for interconnecting the electric power systems along side the Mediterranean coast have been concluded, there are still many aspects concerning the actual operation of the Mediterranean power pool. For that reason a close co- operation with UCPTE should be established having as main objective the introduction of rules concerning the integrated operation of the electric grid of the Mediterranean basin.
With respect to the above, the technical and economic studies already carried out by the SYSTMED Group of MEDELEC/UNIPEDE should be further strengthened with a particular emphasis on joint operation of the network.
To promote decentralised co-ordination of electricity production and exchanges in the MNC countries.
To establish a common accepted legal and institutional framework within the electricity sector of MNC in order to enable electricity trade and to attract foreign and European investments.
The European Commission, specifically the DG XVII may play an effective role during the discussions and negotiations of the MNC with the financial institutions and the private investors.
On the industrial point of vie, technology transfer concerning the construction of High Voltage Lines in the southern mediterranean countries should also be promoted.
These actions should lead to a network at 500 or 400 kV all along the mediterranean coast enabling important electricity exchanges between the mediterranean countries and also the neighbouring regions.
Finally intensive co-operation through well prepared and structured programmes with clear and realistic targets can be the best contribution for the stability and prosperity of the Mediterranean basin.
