2017-07-13
The key projects in Ten-Year Network Development Plan focus on the integration into Europe
In the updated Ten-Year Network Development Plan, electricity transmission system operator Litgrid has estimated that in 2017–2026, EUR 400 million – or two thirds of all planned network investments – will be required for synchronisation with the network of Continental Europe. Total investment into the transmission network will amount to approximately EUR 643 million.
“Until 2026, an average of EUR 60 million will be required annually for implementation of strategic and network upgrade projects. Synchronisation with the network of Continental Europe is our main strategic priority as well as means to ensure long-term system reliability. We are prepared to implement this measure and we know what needs to be done for everything to go well and on time, especially given the network restructuring on the Baltic borders in neighbouring countries,” said Litgrid CEO Daivis Virbickas.
Over the next decade, two new 330-kilovolt (kV) overhead power lines will begin functioning in Lithuania. Construction of the double-circuit transmission line from the Kruonis Pumped Storage Power Plant to Alytus will be completed this year. In addition, a new power line approximately 60 kilometres long is planned to be running around Vilnius. Extremely important projects that are necessary for synchronisation are already being implemented in the eastern part of Lithuania: reconstrucion of the 330-kV overhead power line from the Lithuanian Power Plant to the Vilnius substation will begin next year, and preparations are being made for optimisation of the north-eastern Lithuanian electricity transmission hub.
In recent years, the transmission network has displayed record-breaking reliability indicators. Every year, Litgrid systematically invests in a smart, self-healing network that is managed remotely. In 2017–2026, these types of investments will account for one fifth of all funds allocated to the network.
“Synchronisation of the power system means a partnership between the different systems and a willingness to work together. The first thing expected from partners is reliability, which is why we have to prove to the participants in the synchronous area that we are entering that we are worthy of being among their ranks – the state of our network and our ability to make independent decisions will be assessed,” said Mr Virbickas.
It is forecasted that electricity consumption in Lithuania will grow by one per cent annually and may reach 12–13.42 TWh by 2026. Since the development of power plants is slower than the growth in electricity demand, Lithuania will continue to be an importing country.
“This year, for the first time, we did not evaluate the possible construction of a new nuclear power plant, and this further highlighted the shortcomings of electricity generation in Lithuania. Investments in new power plants are essential for the power system to be ready for increased electricity consumption, and solutions should be adopted more quickly. Market conditions ensure that we are now importing the extra 500 megawatts of power that we need, but there will begin to be a shortage of power from local power plants for system services in 2025,” said Mr Virbickas.
The Ten-Year Network Development Plan for the Lithuanian electricity transmission network is prepared and updated every year and includes all significant changes related to electricity generation and transmission infrastructure facilities.