2013-11-28
Litgrid calls Baltic TSOs to maximize available capacities for electricity imports
The Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid calls to revise the power transmission capacities’ allocation and to use them more efficiently thus increasing import capacities to the deficient Lithuanian and Latvian systems.
“Currently available technical capacities of the Baltic electricity systems could and should be used more efficiently. More efficient use of available technical resources would allow to increase electricity imports to Lithuania and Latvia,” chairman of the board and CEO of Litgrid Daivis Virbickas said at the Baltic energy forum.
Over the past few years substantial investments were made to ensure system reliability and reserve capacity within the Baltic region, new power production capacities were installed: the second unit of Kaliningrad Thermal Power Plant opened in 2010, modernisation of Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2011 and Latvian Hydro Power Plant in 2013 took place, new unit of the Lithuanian Power Plant started generating electricity in 2012. Analysis of the statistical data of reserve demand up to date makes one desire the investment be used more efficiently.
“If the available capacity reserves of the Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant, the Lithuanian Power Plant and the Latvian Hydroelectric Power Plant were used, more capacities for electricity trade could be allocated. The estimations of Litgrid specialists’ show that a more efficient use of available capacities could increase electricity import volumes from 8 to 16 per cent, which is of importance to the deficient power systems of Lithuania and Latvia,” Virbickas suggested.
Before closure of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in 2010, the power system of Lithuania would occasionally be forced to import electricity for short periods of time, in case of scheduled maintenance works or emergency. After the closure of the Ignalina plant, power deficit has become a daily routine for the electricity system – Lithuania imports about two thirds of the consumed electricity. Any changes in the import structure cause significant fluctuations in electricity prices, especially in summer and autumn, when maintenance of power lines and power plants is scheduled mostly.