Black Sea Regional Transmission System Planning Project (BSTP) - Techno-Economic Evaluation of Candidate Transmission Projects (Phase I)

Objective of this study is to collect national inputs and the development plans for further update of regional transmission model that will be used for power transmission system analysis for 2015 2020 and 2025, thus promoting regional cooperation in transmission planning among Black Sea region TSOs. Beside this, the study is focused on a methodology for multi-criteria cost benefit analysis of candidate transmission projects of regional common interest. Based on experience with similar methodologies practiced in ENTSO-E, the Black Sea Cost Benefit analysis weighs costs against standard network-based assessment of technical benefits of candidate projects (based on standard load flow) and a market-based assessment of benefits accrued by candidate projects (based on OPF modelling and analysis). It includes also a qualitative assessment of other relevant criteria affected by candidate transmission projects, such as environment and social impacts. This scope of work supports an approach that adjusts the ENTSO-e methodology to the unique features of the Black Sea regional network using the PSS/E load flow and OPF modules. This study evaluates the techno-economic costs and benefits of selected candidate transmission lines – both interconnection transmission projects and internal transmission projects with significant influence on cross-border transfer capabilities. Due to the complexity of the mentioned activities, the whole techno-economic evaluation study was divided in two phases which are respectively carried out:

• Phase 1 – Costs and Network-based assessment of benefits,
• Phase 2 – Market-based assessment of benefits and Indicative (non-numerical) benefit categories.

This Study of Techno-Economic Evaluation of Candidate Transmission Projects realizes in strong cooperation with BSRI (Black Sea Regional Regulatory Initiative) members. They assist as advisors to BSTP members and consultant especially during the collection of necessary input data. Also, they are included in regional model development as well as reviewing of calculation data.

Type of services provided:

• Data collection and analyses
• Load flow analyses (steady state, contingency…)
• Maximum exchange capabilities
• Development plan evaluation
• Dynamic model and data base building
• Regular updates of regional models for load flow, OPF and dynamic analyses
• Update and validation of PSSE-OPF models
• Costs and Network-based assessment of benefits:
• Calculation of cross-border transmission capacities
• Identification of candidate transmission projects
• Cost analyses:
  • Investment Project Costs
  • Operation & Maintenance Costs
• Network-based assessment of benefits:
• Improved security of supply
• Losses variation (reduction)