Elering upgrades 350 kilometres of overhead power lines with support from the European Recovery Fund
Elering has upgraded approximately 350 kilometres of overhead power lines with support from the European Union’s Recovery Plan, strengthening the electricity grid in Western Estonia, on the islands, and along Estonia’s internal transmission network connections. The total budget of the works was nearly €124 million, of which €36.2 million was provided as EU funding.
- Photo gallery: Elering’s EU Recovery Plan (RRF) projects 2022–2026 – Google Photos
- Video story “Connected without us noticing: the journey of electricity to the islands”: https://youtu.be/Kb308MkBS8w?si=TClFVpyk9dNUZlqu
“Electricity must be able to reach where it is needed, when it is needed. Thanks to the work carried out with support from the Recovery Plan, Estonia’s electricity grid is now stronger, more reliable and better prepared for growing consumption, storms and the connection of new generation capacity,” said Reigo Kebja, Member of the Management Board of Elering. “It is equally important that the funding allowed us to complete the work faster and on a larger scale than would have been possible using network funding alone.”
Over the course of four years, the work was carried out in areas where the grid’s capacity and reliability most needed strengthening to support the development of Estonia’s electricity system. Elering completely reconstructed approximately 235 kilometres of overhead power lines, while improvement works were carried out on a further 115 kilometres. In addition, eight kilometres of underground cable lines and five kilometres of submarine cable were built or upgraded.
“This is work that is both invisible and visible. It is invisible because our transmission grid is already highly reliable and is becoming even stronger, meaning that we may not immediately notice the improvement. But it is also visible, because upgrades on this scale can still be seen in the landscape – not to mention by all the people working in the sector. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this,” said Andres Sutt, Minister of Energy and Environment.
A significant share of the work improved the reliability of electricity supply in Western Estonia, Saaremaa, Muhu and other islands. “For the islands, it is important that electricity supply does not depend excessively on a single line, row of pylons or technical solution. Stronger connections provide greater flexibility in operating the electricity system during maintenance, faults and more challenging weather conditions,” explained Reigo Kebja.
The Lihula–Virtsu 22-kilometre overhead power line, completed at the beginning of the summer, marked the completion of Elering’s projects supported by the Recovery Plan. The project involved replacing all the poles, conductors and other necessary equipment. During the works, temporary wooden poles were used for the most part to maintain the electricity connection, while a crane also temporarily served as a high-voltage pole.
Strengthening the grid was also necessary to connect new generation capacity. As renewable energy production has grown, Estonia’s electricity generation has increasingly shifted westwards, where conditions are favourable for wind and solar power generation. This requires the transmission grid to have sufficient capacity and to be able to transmit electricity reliably.
The amount of European Union funding allocated to Elering’s grid development projects was €36.2 million, while the total budget of the projects was nearly €124 million.
When using the photos and videos, please credit Elering.
Elering is Estonia’s electricity and gas transmission system operator, responsible for the operation of the energy system. To fulfil this role, Elering develops the high-voltage electricity and gas networks and ensures the connections through which energy flows across Estonia and between Estonia and neighbouring countries. Alongside Elering, the energy system also includes generators, electricity and gas suppliers, distribution system operators, balance-responsible parties, balancing service providers and aggregators. Elering focuses on ensuring that energy reaches the distribution network from producers quickly and without interruption.