Eles and Smart Wires deploy advanced power flow control to relieve important Central European congestion

This deployment is one of the key elements of GreenSwitch, a Project of Common Interest supported by the European Union. It is designed to ease transmission constraints, improve security of operations, and support cross-border electricity flows between Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia. The project has the potential to remove up to 3,300 hours per year of critical N-1 congestion, which is currently sub-optimally resolved through topological reconfigurations.

Fast, flexible solution for a complex challenge

The 24 SmartValve devices can inject dynamically controllable reactive voltage into the 220 kV circuit, adjusting impedance to manage flows in real time. Their modular architecture allows the units to be installed directly at line voltage without a transformer, which significantly shortens installation timelines. Design and deployment are expected to be completed in under 18 months.

System studies showed that the precise flow control offered by SmartValve’s modular SSSC technology enables as part of the GreenSwitch project, a reduction in the number of deployment needed, from 8 to 5. This represents a cost reduction of 29 to 37 percent.

Modularity also allows for future expansion or relocation, which is particularly valuable as network needs evolve in response to changing demand and system conditions.

“Eles is committed to delivering secure and flexible grid solutions that support regional cooperation and Europe’s energy goals. SmartValve provides the controllability and scalability we need to solve today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow,” said Uroš Salobir, director of the Strategic Innovation Division from Eles.

“At present we are manufacturing our world leading technology for this project, which represents the kind of collaborative, forward-looking effort that is critical for the future of Europe’s power grid. We’re proud to support Eles in delivering real-time flexibility and resilience on this important interconnector,” said Mark Norton, Vice President of European Business Development at Smart Wires.

The SmartValve deployment aligns with EU priorities outlined in the Action Plan for Grids and ENTSO-E’s Research and Innovation Roadmap. It reflects a growing interest in flexible, efficiency-driven alternatives to traditional grid reinforcements.