News & events

2012-06-28

Ongoing Power Link Projects Get European Union's Financial Injection

On 27 June 2012, Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid and the Lithuanian Business Support Agency (LVPA) drew up an agreement for the allocation of European Union (EU) funds to two projects that are directly related to international power links with Poland and Sweden.  Transformer substations in Alytus and Klaipėda, the sites where the construction of the power links LitPol Link and NordBalt will commence as early as in 2013, will be reconstructed. Up to LTL 15 million have been earmarked in EU funds for the reconstruction of both substations. Both reconstruction projects are valued at approximately LTL 40 million.
 
"We are delighted with the efficient cooperation with the LVPA, as it demonstrates the importance of our power link projects on a national level. The NordBalt and LitPol Link have a strategic significance to the integration of Lithuanian electricity system into the Western European electricity infrastructure as well as the creation of a common European electricity market. The modernisation of the Alytus and Klaipėda power substations marks a critical phase in the power link construction process insofar as these are the starting points of the power links that will connect us with Europe," Litgrid CEO Virgilijus Poderys says.
 
"Approved by the Parliament yesterday, the National Energy Independence Strategy provides that Lithuanian energy must become an integral part of the European Union's energy system. By closing the deal with the electricity transmission system operator Litgrid today, the Agency is proud to make a contribution toward the implementation of the National Energy Independence Strategy. We appreciate Litgrid for its ability to prepare applications for EU support with due care and excellence and in a timely manner as well as its successful project implementation record," Diana Vilytė, the Director of the Lithuanian Business Support Agency, says.
 
The reconstruction of the Alytus transformer substation is set to be completed by September 2015. The substation will ensure a reliable supply of power to the Alytus region and will form an essential part of the international power link, the LitPol Link. The reconstruction of the Klaipėda Marių transformer substation is scheduled to be completed at the same time. The modernised substation will suit the needs of the NordBalt power link and will remarkably augment the reliability of power transmission to Neringa, the Klaipėda State Seaport, and the future liquefied natural gas terminal.