Baltic TSOs sign with Hitachi Energy for interconnector upgrade

Litgrid and Svenska kraftnät, Lithuanian and Swedish transmission system operators, have signed a contract with Hitachi Energy to upgrade the control system of NordBalt HVDC interconnector.

During the upgrade, control system logic will be installed, which will enhance grid stability of the Baltic countries.

The NordBalt control system upgrade will expand the frequency control functionality capabilities for the operation of Lithuanian and Baltic power systems in isolated mode. It will also provide support during synchronous operation, extend the functionality of emergency power control, and reduce the necessary short-circuit capacity demand at the connection point.

Commenting in a release was Donatas Matelionis, head of Power System Operations Department at Litgrid: “NordBalt interconnector is one of the most important objects for the Baltic electric power industry: both in terms of its market impact and importance for the stability of the power grid.

“This upgrade will provide new capabilities for us to ensure the safety and reliability of the Baltic power systems as we plan to join the Continental Europe Synchronous Area next year.”

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Said Andreas Berthou, head of HVDC & HVDC Service business at Hitachi Energy: “We are proud to support Litgrid and Svenska kraftnät in upgrading this important link.

“It will grant the security of power supply in the entire Baltic region, increase the flow of fossil free electricity and contribute to the development of an integrated EU electricity market. Hitachi Energy is constantly evolving its HVDC technology and is proud to contribute to the development of a sustainable, economical and dependable transmission system.”

The contract includes installing hardware and software solutions, as well as training and technical documentation updates. The works are expected to be concluded by May 2026.

Currently, the Baltic countries operate in the IPS/UPS system together with Russia and Belarus. The Baltic countries’ connection to Continental Europe Synchronous Area and synchronous operation with Poland, Germany and other continental European countries will start in February 2025.

The synchronisation projects implemented by the Baltic and Polish TSOs are partly financed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility.

The 700MW Nordbalt HVDC interconnector between Klaipėda (Lithuania) and Nybro (Sweden) was constructed by Litgrid and Svenska kraftnät in 2016.