News & events

2016-02-18

First electricity transmitted through NordBalt sold on the market

The system tests of high voltage direct current cable NordBalt are completed. As of 17 February, the electricity transmitted through NordBalt is traded on Nord Pool day ahead and intraday markets. 
 
“We and our partner in Sweden carried out all system tests with patience and we are happy to offer a new power source to the electricity market. This is an historical moment for Lithuanian electricity consumers and participants of the market because already during the trial operation we are able to measure the benefits of NordBalt”, – Daivis Virbickas, CEO of Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid, said. 
 
According to Mr Virbickas, NordBalt significantly improves the reliability of power supplies in the area. On a mild winter day as this the interconnection with Sweden can ensure around 50 percent of electricity demand during peak hours. 
 
The duration of trial operations depends on the results but it is planned to continue no longer than eight weeks. This is the usual duration of the last stage of tests for the high voltage direct current cables. During this time the participants of electricity market will have trading opportunities through the cable of 700 MW capacity but they will be informed in advance on Nord Pool if the new power transit source is limited at any time. The trial operations differ from the regular operations because of their rather unpredictable nature. During the trial operations unplanned disconnection of the link can last from a few hours to few weeks.
 
The interconnection NordBalt links Lithuanian and Swedish power systems for the first time. Since 2010 the project has been implemented by Litgrid and Swedish transmission system operator Svenska Kraftnat. Investments amounts to 550 million euros, 131 million euros were funded by the European Union. Further investments were equally divided by Lithuania and Sweden.