As part of the European smart grid project SINCRO.GRID implementation, a contract "The installation of a 100 MVAr variable shunt reactor (VSR) in TS Mraclin" was signed in Zagreb between the Croatian Transmission System Operator (HOPS) and Siemens.

The value of the above Contract amounts to 24,887,059.79 kuna, with a deadline of 15 months from the introduction of the contractor to the job. The contract was signed on behalf of HOPS by Mario Gudelj, President of the Management Board and on behalf of Siemens, Krunoslav Brekalo, Director of EM Croatia Division and Nataša Novosad, Head of Controlling Division of EM Hrvatska.

Recall that the Sincro.Grid smart grid project was created by the long-term cooperation of Croatian and Slovenian transmission and distribution system operators (ELES, HOPS, HEP-ODS, SODO). The project's objective is to address the challenges of managing the power system and eliminating congestion in the power grid, thereby enabling an acceptable level of system security and ensuring the preconditions for the implementation of new renewable energy sources.

Namely, the transmission network in the region has been facing increasing challenges of increased system voltage levels. In recent years, there are four contrary impacts on the transmission system operation, which include integration of renewable energy sources, lower consumption, lack of centralized production for regulatory purposes, and good mutual interconnection between Croatian and Slovenian control areas of power systems. Because of the mentioned impacts, the usual methods of network development and the classic engineering solutions are not sufficient to address these challenges, thus creating a cross-border smart grid project SINCRO.GRID.

Large smart grid projects, such as SINCRO.GRID, are a challenge for system operators. The European Commission, by co-financing the project by 51%, has recognized the SINCRO.GRID project as a valid example of cross-border cooperation that should be followed by others.