One of the most important projects for synchronization of Baltic electricity networks with continental Europe – reconstruction costs of 330 kV power transmission lines Valmiera-Tartu and Valmiera-Tsirgulina will be 24.7 million euros, Latvian transmission system operator JSC Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST) with general partnership Empower and Leonhard Weiss’ contract.
“Reconstruction of lines from Valmiera to Estonia is one of the most important projects to ensure synchronization of Baltic electricity networks with Europe, as it will cover sufficient transmission capacity and security of energy supply together with the new 330 kV power transmission line” Estonia-Latvia 3rd interconnection “from Riga TEC- 2 to Kilingi-Nemme in Estonia The project is included in the second phase of the Baltic Electricity Synchronization Project and has received 75% co-financing from the European Union’s Infrastructure Interconnection Facility, says AST Board Member Imants Zviedris.
The project envisages the reconstruction of two lines built in the 1960s and 1970s. As part of the reconstruction, it is not planned to change the power line route and voltage level – it will be built as an overhead 330 kV line on the existing 330 kV overhead line route, installing new supports and installing new wires. As a result of the reconstruction, it is possible to change the locations of the rebuilt power line supports along the axis of the existing line. It is planned to start construction in 2022 and to be the first to reconstruct the line from Valmiera to Tartu, but after the completion of these works in 2023, the reconstruction of the line from Valmiera to Tsirgulin will be started. The works are planned to be completed by the end of 2024.
Implementing Latvia’s energy security and independence policy, the Cabinet of Ministers has determined the status of an object of national interest for the project “Reconstruction of the 330 kV Valmiera-Tartu and Valmiera-Tsirgulina Power Transmission Lines in the Territory of Latvia”. At the beginning of 2018, the initial environmental impact assessment was performed for both power transmission lines, and on March 5, 2018, the Valmiera Regional Environmental Board of the State Environmental Service decided not to apply the environmental impact assessment procedure to both lines by issuing technical regulations. which must be observed during the reconstruction of both power transmission lines.
Public consultations on the reconstruction of both lines were conducted in the counties whose territories they cross. The public consultation in Strenči municipality took place on March 11 last year, informing those present about the project activities and answering questions from landowners and other interested parties, while public consultations in Beverīna and Valka districts were organized remotely due to the emergency situation caused by Covid-19. Landowners of Beverīna and Valka counties were individually sent information about the project and offered the opportunity to send questions of interest until July 24 last year. All written and oral questions and comments were answered.
Currently, both lines in the section from the substation in Valmiera to the Latvian border cross Kauguri, Brenguļi, Trikāta and Plāņi parishes of Valmiera region, as well as Valka parish of Valka region. As the location of the lines will not change significantly, only individual landowners will change the amount of the encumbrance for which compensation will be calculated and paid.
The line reconstruction measures are aimed at ensuring sufficient infrastructure for the energy independence of the Baltic States from the Russian combined electricity system and they serve as a precondition for successful synchronization of the Baltic electricity systems with the continental European networks planned for 2025.
In total, five tenderers qualified for the procurement, four of whom participated in the second round of the negotiated procedure and submitted a tender.
–
