The section of the Estonia-Latvia electricity interconnection to the Estonian-Latvian border to cost 4.5 million euros

Elering has entered into a contract with Empower AS for the construction of the power line section from Kilingi-Nõmme substation to the Estonian-Latvian border within the framework of the project for the third Estonia-Latvia electricity connection, with the cost of the work amounting to 4.5 million euros without value added tax.

The construction work will commence in the second half of the year and, pursuant to the contract, it must be completed next summer. The length of the 330-kilovolt overhead transmission line to be constructed is approximately 14 kilometres. Four tenders were received for the construction procurement of the line.

The Harku-Lihula-Sindi 330/110-kilovolt overhead transmission line with a length of nearly 175 kilometres, with its construction having begun in the previous year, will also be constructed within the framework of the new Estonia-Latvia electricity connection. The Harku, Riisipere, Kullamaa, Sindi and Kilingi-Nõmme substations will be upgraded and renovated. All work must be finished by the end of next year. The new connection will increase the transmission capacity between Estonia and Latvia by 700 megawatts.

The establishment of the third Estonia-Latvia electricity interconnection is a key precondition for synchronising the Baltic States with continental Europe’s electricity system. The connection will also create better possibilities for connecting renewable energy production capacities in Western Estonia to the grid.

Elering is funding the construction of the third Estonia-Latvia electricity connection from the proceeds of auctions of cross-border transmission capacity and European Union funds. Funding from Estonian electricity consumers will not be used in this project.