News & events

2016-06-27

More power links needed for European electricity systems integration

The European Network of Transmission System Operators ENTSO-E has released a ten-year network development plan (TYNDP) which provides for key scenarios and projects for the developing of European electricity networks. The TYNDP focuses on projects aimed at reducing the impact of climate change. Among the priorities of the TYNDP is the de-synchronisation of the Baltic electricity systems of from the Russian network and their deeper integration into Western European networks to ensure the reliability of electricity supply.
 
“All energy projects are regional and interconnected power networks become interdependent. The synchronisation of electricity systems is above all aimed at ensuring the security and reliability of continuous and long-term electricity supply. It is a guarantee of round-the-clock electricity supply today, a year or several decades from now. The security and reliability of electricity supply will be the main criteria in deciding which alternative of synchronisation to choose,” said Litgrid CEO and Chairman of the Board Daivis Virbickas.
 
ENTSO-E releases a ten-year network development plan every two years. The visions of developing the electricity systems of all EU countries are harmonised in seeking to ensure that the energy projects of every country will be also beneficial to neighbouring countries. The latest TYNDP includes more than 200 projects, among them a power line linking Alytus with Kruonis Pumped Storage Power Plant, the development of the power network in eastern part of Poland, the development of the Kurzeme Ring in Latvia and other projects that will provide Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with more possibilities to import electricity from Western and Northern Europe. 
 
The 2016 TYNDP highlights EU targets for climate change and energy efficiency. One of the key targets is to increase the share of renewable energy so that it accounts for at least 27 percent of all energy consumed in the EU by 2030 and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent compared with 1990. The TYNDP emphasizes that the implementation of these targets will require investments in new power links which would allow for more proportionate distribution of electricity generated from renewable resources in the region and ensure the security of electricity supply. The development of a power highway in the European continent would mean that such countries as Germany which produce surplus renewable energy will be given more possibilities to export their energy.
 
It is estimated that an investment of about €150 billion will be required for the implementation of more than 200 projects outlined in TYNDP.
 
ENTSO-E holds public consultations which will last until the autumn. During this period all interested parties will be able to submit their proposals and comments related the TYNDP. For more information visit ENTSO-E website.