CEF Energy: Smart Grids Driving the Energy Transformation Across Central Europe

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) completed a three-day mission across Germany, Czechia and Slovakia, reviewing progress on three major CEF-supported smart-grid projects: ACON, Danube InGrid, and Gabreta Smart Grids. These initiatives are strengthening grid resilience, enabling the large-scale integration of renewables, and reinforcing the energy security architecture of Central Europe.

ACON: Completion of a Flagship Cross-Border Smart Grid Project

In Bratislava, partners celebrated the successful completion of ACON (Again Connected Networks) – the first EU Project of Common Interest jointly implemented by distribution system operators ZSD (Slovakia) and EGD (Czechia).

• EU funding: €91.2 million
• Achievements: network digitalisation, improved flexibility, stronger cross-border electricity flows, and enhanced readiness for renewable integration.

CINEA visited the fully operational Brno-Sever substation, a central asset for grid stability and cross-border management.

CINEA Director Paloma Aba-Garrote emphasized that ACON’s success demonstrates “the power of cooperation across borders and sectors to deliver a smarter, more resilient and affordable energy future for Europe.”

Danube InGrid: Strengthening Transmission and Distribution Networks

The mission continued with site visits to Vajnory and Stupava substations in Slovakia – key components of the Danube InGrid project.

• EU funding: €102 million
• Objective: improving power flows between Slovakia and Hungary and enabling large-scale integration of renewable energy.

New HV/MV installations are under construction, with transformer deliveries planned for early 2026.

 Gabreta Smart Grids: Digitalising the German-Czech Border Region

The delegation also visited several Gabreta Smart Grids sites in Bavaria and Czechia.

• EU contribution: over €100 million
• Purpose: large-scale digitalisation of distribution networks, deployment of new substations, and strengthening resilience in a high-renewable environment.

German sites show active progress, with digital systems already supplying consumers. Czech sites are ahead of schedule in deploying secondary substations and protection systems.

 IDR Commentary

The Institute of Danube Research highlights that ACON, Danube InGrid and Gabreta illustrate the new energy integration model of the EU, rooted in:

• smart, digital and resilient infrastructure,
• cross-border coordination in the Danube region,
• preparation of networks for a high share of renewables,
• enhanced security and flexibility of regional electricity flows.

For Ukraine, these projects serve as practical benchmarks for post-war reconstruction of power systems, future integration with ENTSO-E, and the development of smart grids in the Danube and Black Sea macro-regions.