Elering to expand Harku substation in preparation for synchronization with central Europe

Elering concluded an agreement with Merko Infra AS for expanding the switchgear of the 330 kV Harku substation, which as part of the third power connection between Estonia and Latvia has key importance for synchronizing the region with the central European synchronous grid.

Three companies tendered at the public procurement, and the contract was awarded to Merko Infra AS. The cost of the works will be 1.05 million euros.

In the course of the works, Merko Infra will build a new 330 kV cell that will be the starting point for the new Harku-Lihula- Sindi line. The work will be completed in September 2019.

The expansion of Harku substation is part of the construction of the third electricity connection between Estonia and Latvia, which is geopolitically significant for desynchronizing the Baltic power systems from the Russian grid.

The construction works on Harku’s 330 kV substation are being financed 65% by the European Union while proceeds from auctions of transmission capacity will provide the rest of the funding. The work on Harku substation will not result in increases in transmission service rates; in other words, power bills will not rise for consumers.