In light of recent large-scale blackouts affecting multiple European countries, including incidents in the Balkans and on the Iberian Peninsula, Serbia is stepping up efforts to ensure the stability and resilience of its electricity transmission system. These developments will be at the center of discussions at an upcoming energy conference in Kopaonik.
Jelena Matejić, CEO of Serbia’s electricity transmission system operator EMS, emphasized that the country is actively upgrading its grid infrastructure and closely monitoring risks to system reliability. She noted that Europe’s recent power outages have heightened awareness of vulnerabilities across the continent and highlighted the need for stronger, more coordinated energy security strategies.
Serbia’s transmission network plays a critical role in both domestic electricity delivery and regional energy trade. It carries electricity produced by national utility EPS and other producers, as well as power transiting through the country as part of broader European exchanges. EMS operates within the Continental Europe synchronous zone, with a firm commitment to the principles of security, stability, and reliability.
Matejić warned that evolving geopolitical pressures—such as wars, energy supply disruptions, and shortages in base-load and balancing capacity—pose serious threats to system synchronization. While Serbia has already experienced minor signs of instability, she noted that the national grid has so far responded effectively to these challenges. Nonetheless, no system is immune to potential disruptions.
To bolster resilience, EMS has recently acquired 15 mobile emergency transmission towers and has ordered 10 more, which are expected to arrive ahead of the winter season. These mobile units are designed to respond quickly to damage caused by severe weather events or other emergencies.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Matejić stressed that a lack of base-load power or insufficient balancing energy poses an even greater long-term threat. To address this, EMS has invested over €500 million in the past decade on modernization initiatives. These include revamping aging infrastructure, constructing new 400 kV transmission lines, and expanding cross-border interconnection capacity.
Currently, four Trans-Balkan electricity corridors are being built through Serbia, enhancing its strategic importance within the regional grid and contributing to a more integrated and resilient European energy system.
