Lithuania’s electricity transmission system operator Litgrid continues to advance both domestic and international energy resilience projects. The company has announced a public tender for the reconstruction of key transmission lines in northern Lithuania and has also delivered a fourth high-voltage autotransformer to Ukraine, supporting efforts to rebuild its war-damaged electricity network.
Modernising Northern Lithuania’s Transmission Network
Litgrid has launched a public procurement process for the reconstruction of the 110 kV Šiauliai–Rėkyva and Šiauliai–Radviliškis electricity transmission lines. The modernisation aims to improve the reliability of power transmission in northern Lithuania while reducing future maintenance costs.
As part of the project, a section of the existing overhead line will be replaced with underground cables — a move designed to lessen visual impact in urban areas, release land for city development, and deliver environmental benefits.
“This project is significant not only as an infrastructure upgrade — part of the overhead line will be replaced with an underground cable line. In an urban environment, this solution will reduce visual pollution, free up land for urban development, and have a positive impact on the environment,” said Karolis Sabaliauskas, Head of the Strategic Infrastructure Department at Litgrid.
The winning contractor will be responsible for preparing design proposals, obtaining the necessary building permits, and developing the technical working design for the reconstruction of the 110 kV double-circuit overhead line, originally built in 1968 and spanning 10.5 kilometres. The plans include installing 2.4 kilometres of underground 110 kV cables near the Šiauliai and Rėkyva transformer substations.
Litgrid expects to sign a contract with the successful bidder by the end of this year, with project completion targeted for the first quarter of 2028.
Supporting Ukraine’s Energy System
Alongside domestic developments, Litgrid has continued its support for Ukraine’s electricity system, delivering its fourth high-voltage autotransformer to help restore and strengthen the country’s transmission network, which has been severely damaged by the ongoing war.
The 200 MW autotransformer can supply electricity to more than 250,000 residents, helping to stabilise the grid and restore essential services.
“Lithuania continues — and will continue — its strong partnership with Ukraine, supporting its efforts to safeguard energy security. Every piece of equipment we deliver contributes to the country’s resilience. We are ready to provide emergency assistance to critical infrastructure and to support the restoration and strengthening of Ukraine’s energy system,” said Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Minister of Energy.
“Each delivery is more than just equipment — it is a message of solidarity: Ukraine is not alone. Autotransformers are strategic pillars of the energy system, ensuring that light and heat continue to reach homes, hospitals and industry. By delivering this technology, we are strengthening both the country’s resilience and its confidence in victory,” added Rokas Masiulis, CEO of Litgrid.
To date, Litgrid has provided three aid packages to Ukraine, including three 330/110/10 kV autotransformers and other key components for the transmission grid — such as disconnectors, compressors, insulators, autotransformer bushings, relay protection and automation equipment, and current and voltage measuring transformers.
The Baltic States and Ukraine operate at similar voltage levels in their power systems, differing from those used in most European countries. Consequently, the autotransformers and substation equipment supplied by Litgrid and other Baltic transmission system operators are particularly valuable to Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruction efforts.
The market value of each such autotransformer currently exceeds €4.5 million.
