Contract signed on construction of second phase of long-distance power line Leskovac-Macedonian border

The representatives of Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) and European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR) have signed the contract today (September 18, 2008) on construction of the second phase of long-distance power line betwen Leskovac and border with Macedonia, 100 km long, for which EAR provided 20m EUR.

The long-distance power line is a part of the significant 400-kV long-distance power route that should connect all power supply systems between Niš and Macedonian border, along the section 140.5 km long. The first phase of construction started in May and it should connect EMS' substations in Niš and Leskovac.

EAR set aside 7m EUR for the first phase of works.

As it was explained at the press conference, the aim is that the long-distance power line, which should be completed prior to February 2010, connects power supply systems of Serbia and Macedonia, from Niš, via Leskovac and Vranje, to Skopje.

The estimated value of the project is 31m EUR, 27m EUR of which has been donated by EU.

At the same time, EMS works on reconstruction of substations "Niš 2" and "Leskovac 2", using the funds approved by European Investment Bank.