The European power systems on the threshold of a new East-West co-operation

The European power systems are in the process of a new orientation. The aim of interconnecting the grids to large power systems is to facilitate and promote the exchange of electric power. The progressive extension of the synchronous parallel operation of UCPTE with Eastern countries has been discussed extensively between the concerned utilities. A lot of studies have been accomplished to investigate practical and theoretical questions of the intended interconnections. In late summer 1995 the East and West German Power Systems have been interconnected; followed by the interconnection of CENTREL to UCPTE. In a later stage the networks of Bulgaria and Romania shall also be connected to the UCPTE system. In order to investigate the future power exchange between the East and West European countries a feasibility study on an East-West High Power Transmission System being able to transport 4 GW between Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany has been performed. This High Power link is to become an integrated part of the Baltic Ring, which resumes the idea of creating an electrical interconnection around the Baltic Sea