one of the projects of connection of electricity transmission networks – of special national importance

89 MPs voted for the project, 4 abstained, 1 against.

This project envisages connecting the eastern and western parts of the Lithuanian electricity system (from Panevėžys to Darbėnai) with additional new transmission lines, thereby increasing energy security, ensuring reliable electricity transmission and creating the necessary conditions for the development and integration of offshore wind and onshore renewable energy resources.

It is planned that the project of connecting the North-West and East electricity transmission networks could be fully completed by 2034.

It is predicted that in 2030, the power generation capacity in the power grid will increase significantly. Such fundamental changes in the generation structure will also lead to a redistribution of electricity flows – in western Lithuania, more wind generation capacity is connected to the grid, while in eastern Lithuania, most generation capacity from solar power parks is connected.

The project to connect the North-West and East electricity transmission networks will consist of: a new 330 kV electricity transmission line Darbėnai–Varduva–Mūša (length about 170 km), a new 330 kV electricity transmission line Panevėžys–Mūša (length about 72 km) and 330 kV transformers construction of “Varduva” substation.

After the implementation of the project, an internal connection of Lithuanian high-voltage network lines would be formed in the northern part of Lithuania. This would make it possible to ensure better conditions for the transmission of electricity produced by RES power plants through the Lithuanian electricity system, and it is ready to ensure the electricity demand of consumers of new technologies (hydrogen production by electrolysis, etc.).

The development of this new infrastructure will allow, among other things, to maintain the reliable operation of the energy system in sync with the continental European grids, while developing local power generation capacities from renewable energy sources.

The implementation of the project will improve the integration of the electricity market due to increased bandwidth with the Latvian electricity transmission system (in both directions). At the same time, the reliability and quality of electricity transmission will be ensured for large electricity consumers in the Northwestern Lithuania region.

Recognizing the project of connecting the North-West and East electricity transmission networks as of special national importance would provide the prerequisites for ensuring the smooth planning and implementation of this strategic energy project.