Identification of critical network elements and recommendations to sustain electricity market in Southeast Europe

Net Transfer Capacity (NTC) values are an indication of cross-border transmission capacities that may be used by market participants to conduct electricity transactions across the borders of two or more areas (countries) in Europe. Cross-border transmission capacities, defined by neighboring TSOs, are generally restricted due to capacity limitations of tie-lines and concerns related to the secure operation of an internal transmission network. In this paper the NTC values are analyzed in a specific area of Southeast Europe in order to identify critical network elements which limit cross-border trade as a result of low NTC. Recommendations are also given that could be implemented to increase cross-border trade without large investments in transmission infrastructure. Analyses were based on the comprehensive study [1, 2] prepared by the Southeast Europe Cooperation Initiative regional transmission system planning working group (SECI TSP WG), supported by USAID and USEA with active participation of 11 regional TSOs.