Montenegro-Italy (MONITA)

The MONITA (MONtenegro-ITAly) HVDC project is a significant power interconnection initiative that links the electricity grids of Montenegro and Italy across the Adriatic Sea. This high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system consists of a 423-kilometer underwater cable, making it one of the most important regional endeavors in electrical engineering in recent years.

Project Overview

The MONITA interconnector connects the Cepagatti converter station in Pescara, Italy, to the Kotor converter station near Budva, Montenegro. The project's total route length is approximately 440-445 km, including both submarine and land sections. The system operates at a voltage level of ±500 kV DC and has a transmission capacity of 600 MW for the first module.

Technical Specifications

The HVDC link utilizes mass-impregnated 500 kV HVDC cables for power transmission. Toshiba developed suspended-valves for the MONITA HVDC system, which employs Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) technology for long-distance, large-capacity transmission. The project includes converter stations on both ends, with the Montenegrin station located in Lastva Grbaljska, covering an area of 17.1 hectares.

Construction and Implementation

Elnos Group was involved in the construction of the converter station in Lastva Grbaljska, Montenegro. Their work included electrical installation for the 400 kV facility, filter facility, and converter transformers. Additionally, they performed installations in the control building, rectifier facility, and DC facility, covering systems for consumption, remote control, relay protection, and lighting.

French company Nexans was awarded a €340 million contract in 2012 for cable laying. They completed the installation and testing of the 445 km subsea and land cable in 2019.

Project Timeline and Modifications

The MONITA project was initially unveiled in 2010, with an original plan for a 1,000 MW bipole interconnection capacity. However, in April 2018, the capacity was reduced to a monopolar 600 MW due to slower-than-expected development of renewable energy projects in the Balkans. The project's commissioning date was also postponed from the initial target of 2018 to 2019.

Significance and Impact

The MONITA HVDC link plays a crucial role in establishing Montenegro as a new strategic energy hub in the region. It enables the exchange of electricity between the power systems of Italy and Montenegro, contributing to the development of a more integrated European transmission network. This project is part of a broader initiative to meet zero-emission targets and improve energy connectivity across Europe.

Testing and Verification

The project underwent rigorous testing phases, including the use of Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) technology to validate the system's performance and ensure its reliability before full implementation.

The MONITA HVDC project represents a significant advancement in cross-border energy transmission, showcasing the potential of HVDC technology in connecting asynchronous grids and facilitating long-distance power transfer across challenging terrains like the Adriatic Sea.