Estonian, Latvian TSOs ink pact for hybrid interconnection

Estonian and Latvian electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) Elering and Augstsprieguma tikls (AST) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a new electricity interconnection between the countries.

The plans are for a hybrid interconnector, which besides linking the electricity systems of the two countries, would also connect offshore and onshore renewable energy sources. The interconnection capacity is expected to be 1 GW but details and exact location of the project will be determined at a later stage.

According to an announcement today, the connection could be completed “by 2030+ time horizon.” The parties expect to secure co-financing from the EU.

Arnis Daugulis, member of the AST B board, said the initiative is viewed as the first step towards an interconnected hybrid transmission grid in the Baltic Sea.

This will be the fourth Estonian-Latvian electricity interconnection. The third started operations in 2020, while work is underway on two other interconnections as a part of the Baltic States synchronisation project with continental Europe.

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