The first of a total of four mobile substations donated by the European Union to Elektroprivreda Srbije has been put to trial in Krusevac, which is the start of a new phase of the project to modernize the distribution network and enable the distribution system to respond more quickly in emergencies.
The value of the investment in three smaller 35/10 kV mobile substations, with a capacity of 8 MVA, is approximately EUR 1.8 million, and the contractor is GAT from Novi Sad. During the trial, mobile substations will supply part of the consumers to Krusevac, Pozarevac and Zlatibor, after which they will be deployed in the distribution areas of Kraljevo, Nis and Kragujevac.
The fourth, largest mobile substation of 110/35 kV voltage level, with a power of 20 MVA and a total value of EUR 1.4 million, is deployed in Belgrade and will be put to trial in TS Belgrade 2. The contractor is ABB.
The project is of great importance for the entire distribution system of "Elektroprivreda Srbije" as for the first time plants with mobile transformers 110/35 kV and 35/10 kV are connected to the distribution network in Serbia. The training of employees on the use of mobile substations in emergency situations has also been successfully implemented.
The safety of mobile substation equipment is at the highest level and is ready for use in specific outdoor conditions characterized by emergencies caused by floods, heavy rainfall, high winds and fires.
The European Union grant for this project is part of the IPA II national program for Serbia aimed at eliminating the effects of the 2014 floods. Part of the donation to be used in the distribution sector is € 9 million, in addition to the procurement of mobile substations, it also includes the development of a remote control and management system in the Kraljevo distribution area, which was hit hardest during the floods. The aim of the project is to achieve a faster and more efficient response in the event of a disruption of the electricity supply during weather and natural disasters.