Estonia’s First 110 kV Undersea Electricity Cable Between Mainland and Muhu Island Put To Work

Elering powered up the new 110 kV undersea electricity cable between the mainland and Muhu Island, which is the first undersea cable at that level of power in Estonia. The cable should ensure a better security of supply to the islands than before.

The first stage of the plans to improve the security of supply of the islands was completed successfully by bringing the Virtsu-Võiküla undersea cable into operation. In the future, Elering is planning on installing another 110kV undersea cable in the Great Strait to increase the security of supply to the islands, and is also installing a cable connection between Muhu Island and Saaremaa in addition to an existing overhead line. As the next step in the plan to improve the security of supply on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, Elering is renovating the Leisi substation in Saaremaa.

According to Chairman of the Elering Board, Taavi Veskimägi, the new undersea cable has significant importance in improving security of supply for the islands. “Improving the electricity connection with the islands of west Estonia has been a priority for Elering, because the old undersea cables have completely degraded. Obviously, the greatest risk in ensuring the security of supply of the islands now is connected to the overhead line on the causeway of the Small Strait, which needs to be duplicated with a cable line between Saaremaa and Muhu Island”, said Veskimägi.

The cable is eight kilometres in length and was installed in one piece. To avoid possible injuries, the cable has been placed in soil. The expected lifespan of the new undersea cable is 40 years.

According to the public procurement, the cost of construction work is 9.4 million euros.