Elering To Replace Old Overhead Lines With Underground Cables in Tallinn

Elering is continuing with a project to replace the old high-voltage overhead lines with underground cables in Tallinn.

Over the coming weeks, the dismantling of the old overhead pylons in the area of Vuti and Haigru streets in Kristiine district will be finished, thanks to the completion of the new Järve-Endla and Veskimetsa-Endla underground cable lines.

According to Tallinn’s deputy mayor, Kalle Klandorf, the city welcomes Elering’s initiative to replace overhead lines with underground cables. “Considering the density of the urban environment, all electricity transmission lines within Tallinn need to be relocated underground in the future,” said the deputy mayor.

In the short term, Elering will also start making preparations to replace the Veskimetsa-Kopli overhead line with a new underground cable. Before construction starts, the route and procurement for the construction work need to be conducted.

By the end of this decade, Elering plans to replace many other overhead lines that are connected to the Kadaka, Veskimetsa, Kopli, Paljassaare, Volta and Järve substations with underground cables in Tallinn.

Replacing overhead lines with underground cables diminishes the impact of high voltage lines on the city environment. Protection zones for overhead lines are reduced, as well as the danger of accidents related to power lines and the impact on the cityscape.

This year, new underground cables will also be laid between the Ranna substation, situated near Viru Centre, and Lasnamäe, which is important in ensuring security of supply in the heart of Tallinn. Some of the cables that supply the Ranna high-voltage substation have been worn out and can no longer be safely used.