Europe | November 12, 2025
The investment will boost cross-border transmission capacity by 600 MW, strengthening regional energy trade and grid reliability.
Image for illustrative purposes
Slovenia / Italy: Slovenian and Italian transmission system operators ELES and Terna have signed an agreement to upgrade their shared electricity network, launching a $290 M (€250 M) project that will increase cross-border transmission capacity by 600 MW – a rise of more than 50 %.
The project aims to enhance energy security and market integration between the two countries, with construction expected to begin in 2029 and completion planned by the end of 2031.
On the Slovenian side, ELES will upgrade the phase-shifting transformer at the Divača substation, adding a third unit to raise the 400 kV Divača–Redipuglia line capacity from 1,200 to 1,800 MVA. The 220 kV Divača–Padrice line will also be modernised with low-sag conductors capable of handling higher temperatures, doubling its capacity to 700 MVA.
In Italy, Terna will upgrade the Padriče–Redipuglia connection and substation with a new phase-shifting transformer to improve internal power flow management.
“With an additional 600 MW of cross-border capacity, Slovenia is solidifying its role as a key electricity hub between Central and Southern Europe,” said ELES CEO Aleksander Mervar. “This is a strategic investment ensuring reliability, resilience, and connectivity of our grid in the decades ahead.”
Of the total project value, Slovenia’s share is estimated at $104 M (€90 M), while Italy will cover $185 M (€160 M). ELES plans to seek EU funding to support its portion of the investment.
Terna’s Head of Power System Planning and Permitting, Enrico Maria Carlini, said the agreement represents “a step forward in introducing innovative solutions that improve efficiency and deliver greater value for all electricity system users.”
Source: Balkan Green Energy News
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