The Cirkovce–Pince 2×400 kilovolts (kV) transmission line was officially inaugurated in the presence of Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán.
“The construction of the Cirkovce–Pince transmission line could not have been completed at a better time, as Europe is preparing for the much-awaited green transition, while at the same time such investments provide much-needed energy stability,” said Prime Minister Golob.
“The Cirkovce-Pince transmission line project is the best example of the kind of investment that Europe needs at this moment,” he continued.
In his view, accelerated investment in electricity and gas infrastructure is exactly what will enable Europe to become energy independent (especially in energy supplied from the East) and to switch to renewables. This is an extremely large investment, both in terms of importance and scale, explained Prime Minister Golob, adding that its successful completion is also proof that Slovenian experts are capable of carrying out such large-scale projects.
As the investment was co-financed with EU funds, the Prime Minister highlighted its European dimension.
“We have to be aware that the EU’s strength lies in the spirit of solidarity between Member States and it is solidarity that should continue to guide our actions in the future.”
He expressed his conviction that, following the established electricity connection between Slovenia and Hungary, a gas interconnection could be outlined and completed in the following years. “There is no doubt,” said Prime Minister Golob, “that only a united, connected Europe is one that our citizens deserve and that will ensure a brighter future for everyone.”
The project for the construction of the Cirkovce–Pince 2×400 kV transmission line and the new Cirkovce 400/110 kV substation juncture is the largest investment in the transmission network infrastructure in Slovenia and will ensure a more stable and reliable operation of the Slovenian power system. In building this connection, Slovenia has made an important contribution to further increasing power market integration into the common EU internal market for electricity, laying the foundations for future regional exchange. The investment realised in the territories of Slovenia and Croatia is worth approximately 160 million euros, 48 million of which was contributed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility. The transmission line and substation project were also included in the list of projects of common interest. These are energy infrastructure projects for which the European Commission has outlined a long-term vision and guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure.
Photo source: ELES/Avtor STA/Bor Slana
