Estonia and Latvia sign on fourth transmission interconnector

Operators of the Latvian and Estonian transmission systems – Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST) and Elering respectively – have signed a memorandum, which envisages starting work on the creation of the fourth interconnector of the Estonian-Latvian power transmission network.

The interconnection is planned to be developed between the island of Saaremaa and the Kurzeme coast as a sea cable.

The new interconnector will increase the transmission capacity between Estonia and Latvia, while also promoting the development of renewable energy resources (RES) in Latvia, Estonia and the entire Baltic Sea region.

The new interconnection is planned as a hybrid – in addition to connecting the electricity systems of the two countries, it will also be possible to connect new RES production capacities both at sea and on land.

The project will increase the safety and stability of the energy system and will provide an opportunity to receive a larger amount of renewable energy in the power grids of Estonia and Latvia, thus contributing to the climate goals of both countries.

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Based on assessment and technical analysis, the interconnection capacity is planned to be 1,000MW and, by making the necessary investments in the transmission infrastructure, the connection is planned to be built by 2035.

The exact location of the interconnection and other technical details will be agreed at later stages of the project.

“The new interconnection will make it possible to increase the transmission capacity between Estonia and Latvia, which is essential for the development of renewable energy resources in Latvia and Estonia, both on land and at sea,” said AST board member Arnis Daugulis in a release.

“We see this cooperation as the first step towards the creation of an interconnected hybrid transmission network in the Baltic Sea, thus contributing to the goal of decarbonisation and RES development achievement in the entire Baltic Sea region.”

AST and Elering have agreed to cooperate to carry out joint preparatory measures, including studies on the environmental impact and technical-economic aspects, which are essential to decide on future investments in the development of the interconnection.

The operators plan to implement the project with EU co-financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), providing the necessary funding for project studies and interconnection construction.

The operators of the transmission system have done all the necessary preparatory work to include the project in the EU development documents. After the approval of the EU co-financing, the operators will decide on the further implementation of the project.