Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid has prepared a concept for increasing transmission capacity between Lithuania and Poland, which is presented to the market participants. It is expected that the implementation of the measures outlined in the concept will increase cross-border electricity transfer capacity. The growth of electricity trade will create better conditions for the development of renewable energy sources in Lithuania.
“Following the successful connection of the Baltic countries to the Continental Europe Synchronous Area in February this year, the LitPol Link electricity interconnection between Lithuania and Poland is primarily used to ensure the stability and reliability of the electricity system. The stability measures currently in place allow a limited capacity of trading. After successful and smooth operation with our European partners for more than six months, we see opportunities to increase the capacity used for electricity trading,” Donatas Matelionis, Head of the Power System Operations Department at Litgrid told The Voice of Renewables.
According to him, the involvement of market participants will be necessary to implement these changes.
“Higher trading capacities are primarily related to the opportunities to provide frequency stability ensuring ancillary services, which can be offered by electricity storage facilities connected to the transmission grid. In addition, a more active involvement of renewable energy producers in emergency situation control will also be needed. We have prepared a concept for increasing transmission capacity and announced a public consultation, where we will await questions and suggestions from market participants. By working together, we can achieve the growth of electricity import and export opportunities with Poland,” says Matelionis.
Since the Baltic synchronisation, the average transmission capacity for electricity trade with Poland is approximately 170 MW for exports and 150 MW for imports.
According to the concept, in 2026, electricity export capacity via the LitPol Link interconnector would reach up to 365 MW, while import capacity would reach up to 200 MW.
From 2027, export capacity could reach up to 500 MW and import capacity up to 353 MW. Prior to the synchronisation of the Baltic countries, export capacity typically reached 350 MW and import capacity 492 MW.
Litgrid, together with the Polish electricity transmission system operator PSE, is currently implementing the Harmony Link onshore electricity interconnection project. According to the agreement between the operators, the second electricity interconnection between Lithuania and Poland will start operation in Q4 2030. Once Harmony Link becomes operational, electricity trade volumes between Lithuania and Poland will reach up to 1,200 MW in both import and export directions.
The public consultation on the proposal for increasing the capacity of the Lithuania-Poland interconnection will run until November 1. More information about the consultation can be found on the Litgrid website.
On February 8 this year, the Baltic countries disconnected from the Russian-controlled IPS/UPS electricity system, and on February 9, they successfully connected their electricity systems to the synchronous area of continental Europe. Synchronisation with the continent allows the Baltic countries to manage their electricity systems in close cooperation with other continental European countries, ensuring stable and reliable frequency regulation, thereby strengthening energy independence and increasing energy security throughout the region. The Baltic countries have joined the continental European network, which serves more than 400 million consumers in 26 countries.
