The fourth Estonian-Latvian power connection
In October 2023, the Estonian electricity transmission system operator Elering submitted an application to the Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture to initiate a designated national spatial plan. The spatial plan will determine whether and how it would be expedient to build the Estonian part of the fourth Estonian-Latvian power connection from Paide through Muhu to the Sõrve peninsula in Saaremaa.
Overview of the onshore section of the interconnection
The new connection would start from the Paide substation in Central Estonia. New 330 kilovolt lines should be built from Paide to Virtsu via Lihula. There, the lines should reach the west coast of Saaremaa, where the submarine cable to Latvia would begin. The route of the submarine cable between Estonia and Latvia will be selected with a building permit separate from the planning process.
A designated national spatial plan is prepared for the construction of a building with a significant spatial impact, the location or operation of which is of great national or international interest. Before building a new power connection, its benefits to society are studied. In addition to technical works, the impact on nature and local people must also be assessed. Construction will only begin when it is clear that this connection is necessary for our region at large. It can take about a decade to establish interstate power connections.
Why?
The owner of Elering, the Minister of Climate, has issued guidelines to identify the possibilities of establishing a new connection through Saaremaa. The connection to be established will increase security of supply and create opportunities for receiving a larger amount of renewable energy into the Western Estonian network, contributing to achieving the country’s goals of climate neutrality.
When?
Planning a new power connection takes several years. Before starting technical work, the most suitable location for the line will be determined and the impact on nature, local people and society will be assessed during the process of the designated national spatial plan. If suitable routes are found and the establishment of the connection is economically reasonable, several steps are taken prior to the commencement of construction work – the design is prepared, the process of building permits is carried out, and respective contracts for the right of use are entered into with all landowners. Physical construction work would not begin until the next decade.
Where and what?
In order to establish the fourth power connection between Estonia and Latvia, in addition to the new lines on the islands, it is also necessary to find a line corridor for the new 330 kV overhead line between Paide and Lihula, which will ensure security of supply within the 330-kilovolt network.
The power connection on land is planned mainly as 330 kV overhead lines. In places where it is not possible to plan an overhead line, an underground cable is planned. A submarine cable will be laid in the sea area. It is also necessary to plan substations. Specific locations are not yet in place. We have proposed a planning area large enough to make it possible to find the best possible location among the various alternatives. Anyone interested can participate in the planning process, and the Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture will announce it after the planning process has been initiated.
Who pays for this?
If the construction of the fourth Estonian-Latvian power connection is economically reasonable, EU funding will be applied for so that the construction cost would not affect the network fee paid by the consumer.
Can and how can I have a say in the process?
Anyone interested can participate in the planning process. The information and proposals collected during the planning process will be made public and public discussions will take place. The Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture will provide more detailed information about the opportunities for participation after the designated national spatial plan has been initiated.
Offshore section of the interconnection
On 8 May 2024, Elering submitted a building permit application to the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) for the construction of the marine cable of the fourth electricity interconnection between Estonia and Latvia. The new interconnection will significantly increase electricity transmission capacity between Estonia and Latvia and help strengthen security of supply.
Initiation of the Building Permit Procedure
On 23 December 2024, the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) initiated the building permit procedure, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, by decision No. 1-7/24-422. The assessment will also cover potential transboundary impacts. The EIA is mandatory because the planned activities may have significant environmental effects, including extensive seabed dredging and potential impacts on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites.
Read more (in Estonian)
