Electricity link NordBalt

NordBalt (Lithuania - Sweden electricity link)

NordBalt is a prerequisite for the common Baltic – Nordic electricity market. The future electricity bridge will enable Lithuania to purchase electricity from Northern European countries that are rich in hydro energy resources.

NordBalt will be an alternative channel for electricity import and export that will help Lithuania avoid dependence on the sole supplier in the East. The strategic power project is implemented by Litgrid, the Lithuanian transmission system operator, and Svenska Kraftnät, the Swedish transmission system operator. Technical designing is currently in progress, with the construction works scheduled for 2014 and 2015.

The purpose of the NordBalt project is to construct an intersystem power link connecting the Lithuanian and Swedish power transmission systems. The length of the 700 MW link is about 450 km. The link will be formed of high-voltage direct-current undersea and underground cables and of current converter stations in Lithuania and Sweden. The start of operation is scheduled for December 2015.

Main characteristics

• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) undersea cable. Cable length: approx. 400 km 
• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) underground cable (on the Lithuanian side). Cable length: 13 km 
• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) underground cable (on the Swedish side). Cable length: 40 km 
• Link capacity: 700 MW 
• Technology: VSC 
• Estimated service life: 30 years 
• Estimated project cost:  LTL 1.9 billion 
• Connection point in Lithuania:  330 kV Klaipėda substation. Connection point in Sweden: 400 kV Nybro substation.

Progress

• Territorial planning has been completed;
• Necessary permits are obtained;
• Cable production process is ongoing;
• Preparatory works for the construction are in progress.

Next steps 

• To start real construction works on land;
• To start cable laying (having completed testing phase)
• resources.

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