Press Release

UCTE-IPS/UPS Feasibility Study: key conclusions endorsed by study partners

5th May 2008

The study analysing the feasibility of a possible synchronous coupling of the power systems of IPS/UPS1 with UCTE2 has been completed after a 3-year investigation phase. Based on the study results UCTE has been worked out and endorsed together with its Eastern project partners the key conclusions of the study. The results achieved underline the overall complexity of a synchronous coupling taking into consideration both system security and market aspects. As a medium term perspective system coupling by HVDC technology is considered as an evident solution to join the Eastern and Western transmission systems.

The UCTE-IPS/UPS Study was launched in April 2005 in order to investigate the feasibility of a possible synchronous coupling of the power systems of IPS/UPS with UCTE. Today both electricity systems are operated separately and are supplying more than 700 million customers over ten time zones. Around 100 experts from both sides are involved in the investigations. The project is also recognized by stakeholders as an important venture in the framework of the EURussia Energy Dialogue.

During the last three years the scope of work comprised all technical, organisational and legal aspects for a possible synchronous operation of both systems. Since the two synchronous areas have been developed and operated differently for some considerable length of time a mandatory set of measures and requirements has been identified during the investigation. However, the overall
precondition for the study under the responsibility of UCTE was to maintain the present level of system security and reliability in the systems concerned.

The today’s released Key Conclusions summarise the essential findings of the feasibility study, commonly agreed and shared by the study partners leaving open to stakeholders to initiate further activities. The conclusions point out that even if a synchronous coupling appears technically viable, it must be considered as a longterm option. The findings underline the overall complexity of a synchronous coupling first in the context of system security and overall reliability but also from the point of view of operability of the underlying electricity markets.
The final report of the study itself is planned to be released until the summer break.

Beside the evaluation of the feasibility of a possible synchronous coupling the report will comprise an open outlook on non-synchronous system coupling possibilities by high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. This worldwide used technique in large transmission systems may result beside its technical and economic advantages in a more cost-effective and thus “easier to realise” perspective for merging the electricity markets.