The company is also carrying out works for underground cable laying of a total of 55 km of overhead power lines
Elektrozpredelenie Yug (part of EVN) in partnership with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) are implementing the project LIFE Safe Grid for Burgas, which is funded by the EU LIFE programme. The implementation period is 2021 - 2026 and the main objective is to secure the electricity distribution lines in Burgas area. This will reduce bird mortality due to contact with electric lines and on the other hand will improve power supply in the area.
After surveys conducted by the BSPB, the electric lines to be secured were prioritized. In order to ensure maximum security for birds, Elektrorazpredelenie Yug, for the first time, used a new type of safety material on the poles. More than 1,350 poles have been secured so far, and no cases of bird deaths due to contact with overhead electric lines have been reported since the works were carried out.
In addition, nearly 400 bird reflectors (so-called diverters) were installed on electric lines where the risk is serious. For the first time in Bulgaria, the installation of diverters was carried out with a drone - an innovative technical method developed by the BSPB. This enables diverters to be installed on overhead power lines passing over water areas and other difficult-to-reach areas for ground machinery.
In 2024, it is planned to secure over 500 poles in the area of Burgas and Pomorie. This will bring the total number of secured poles to over 1,850.
The data from the surveys of the BSPB and Dispatching Center of Elektrorazpredelenie Yug show the efficiency of the implemented measures, which is evidenced by the minimal number of breakdowns in the areas covered by the project and the significant reduction in bird mortality.
Elektrorazpredelenie Yug is conducting coordination procedures with the institutions to obtain building permit for the respective sections of the power lines to be laid underground. A total of 55 km of overhead power lines will be laid underground as part of the project. This is the most effective measure that completely eliminates the risk of collision and electrocution for birds.
The project LIFE Safe Grid for Burgas is implemented in 4 areas of NATURA 2000 network – Atanasovsko Lake, Burgas Lake, Mandra-Poda Complex and Pomorie Lake, over which passes one of the largest bird migration routes in Europe – Via Pontica. The measures implemented so far have a conservation effect for all migratory birds in Europe and show the key importance of the project and the completed activities.
