Elektrorazpredelenie Yug presented its project at an international conference in Brussels

On October 15-16, 2024, an international conference was held in Brussels, which aimed to discuss the challenges related to the development of electricity distribution networks and the protection of biodiversity in Europe. The event was organized by the Renewables Grid Initiative and TB Raab /Technisches Büro für Biologie, Austria/.

The event was attended by representatives from the European Commission, Ministry of the Environment of Belgium, electricity distribution companies from Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, as well as environmental protection organizations.

At the event, Elektrorazpradelenie Yug (part of EVN) presented its LIFE Safe Grid for Burgas project, which is implemented in partnership with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds.

It aims to protect birds from contact with power lines along the migration route Via Pontica – the second most important migration route of wild birds in Europe. To date, over 1,200 electric poles have been secured under the project, which represents nearly 120 km of safe ground infrastructure for birds.

The total value of the project is nearly 5.5 million euros, with 75% of the funds provided by the LIFE program of the European Commission, and 25% by Elektroraspradelenie Yug.

In the presentation, attention was paid to the need for investments for the development of the electricity distribution network, as a main factor for the protection of biodiversity. Infrastructural activities for underground wiring (the so-called cabling) are also important for the security of energy supply for the entire region. This measure is implemented during long procedures for coordination with the responsible institutions for obtaining a building permit.

The Wingspan conference takes place every two years and aims to bring together conservationists, scientists, renewable energy operators, electricity distribution companies, representatives of governments and authorities to share strategies and solutions for a green energy transition.

The organizers of the event expressed special gratitude to ER Yug for the shared experience of implementing projects under the LIFE program and protecting biodiversity. The presented results were useful for the participating electricity distribution companies at the conference.