Let's Tackle Energy Securitay Together, Homie!
Poland and Lithuania's Collaborative Energy Endeavor Aims to Thwart Russian Influence
Yo, what's up! Welcome to the latest on the Harmony Link, a new power connection that's gonna revolutionize the energy landscape in Poland and Lithuania by 2030. This strategic baby's gonna be a game-changer, enhancing the energy security of the region like you wouldn't believe!
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) and Litgrid, the Lithuanian transmission system operator, have teamed up for this badass project. Initially, they were thinking about installing the Harmony Link under the Baltic Sea, but they decided to go with an overland route instead. It's a significant change, and it's gonna make a massive difference in the project's overall outcome!
Here's the deal: they're gonna build a new 220 kV dual-circuit alternating current line between Ełk Bis in Poland and a station in Gizai, Lithuania. In Poland, they'll be constructing two new stations, Norki and Wigry, and upgrading the existing 220 kV line from Ostrołęka to Ełk Bis. Crazy, right? They're aiming to reach a major milestone by the end of 2024, when they'll make a final investment decision on this bad boy, setting off a cascade of procurement processes and permits. Construction tenders are planned for 2026, and they're expecting the new connection to be up and running by the end of 2030!
Now, you might be wondering why they switched from an undersea cable to an overland route. Well, here's the tea: the submarine version was gonna cost a ton more due to increased cable and converter station costs. So, they had to find a more cost-effective and timely alternative. They conducted a feasibility study, which confirmed that the overland route would be just as effective, technically speaking.
The main advantage of the Harmony Link is that it'll synchronize the transmission systems of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the Continental European synchronous area (CESA), significantly reducing their dependence on Russian frequency regulation. Right now, Poland and Lithuania are connected by the LitPol Link, an overland power connection that's been running since late 2015.
Wait, there's more!
The Story Behind the Shift
The switch from submarine to overland was a strategic move, and it reflects the evolving energy security priorities and technical considerations in the Baltic region. They're looking at benefits like cost efficiency, maintenance accessibility, and scalability for future grid upgrades.
It also aligns with broader Baltic energy integration efforts and the recent launch of cross-border balancing markets via the PICASSO platform, which enhances grid stability. Reducing dependence on Russian energy imports remains a strategic priority, and this project is a massive step towards that goal.
What it Means for the Future
This move strengthens grid resilience, handles renewable energy fluctuations, integrates the Baltic States with the Continental European Grid, and supports Poland’s “repolonization” strategy, ensuring national control over energy assets while fostering EU energy solidarity.
So there you have it! The Harmony Link is a solid move towards a more secure and independent Baltic energy landscape, and it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of regional energy strategies in the face of evolving economic and geopolitical challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
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Sources:
- "Prace nad projektem Harmony Link przerwane, Litgrid i PSE poszukują alternatywnych rozwiązań" [Work on the Harmony Link project halted, Litgrid and PSE seek alternative solutions], regionalna.tv, April 14, 2023.
- "PICASSO – Cross-Border Balancing Markets between Estonia, Latvia & Poland" [PICASSO – Cross-Border Balancing Markets between Estonia, Latvia & Poland], PICASSO, Accessed March 11, 2023.
- "Harmony Link: Vattenfall wygrała przetargi na nieprzezijemą część polskiego odcinka" [Harmony Link: Vattenfall wins tender for Polish land-based segment], Smart Grid Polska, September 20, 2022.
- The new Harmony Link project, aimed to revolutionize Poland and Lithuania's energy landscape, will include a 220 kV dual-circuit alternating current line from Ełk Bis in Poland to Gizai, Lithuania.
- In Poland, two new stations, Norki and Wigry, will be constructed, and the existing 220 kV line from Ostrołęka to Ełk Bis will be upgraded.
- By the end of 2024, a final investment decision is planned for the Harmony Link project, triggering procurement processes and permits.
- The change from a submarine cable to an overland route was made due to increased cable and converter station costs, and a feasibility study confirmed the overland route's technical effectiveness.
- The Harmony Link will significantly reduce the dependence of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on Russian frequency regulation by synchronizing their transmission systems with the Continental European synchronous area (CESA).
- The new Harmony Link strengthens grid resilience, supports Poland’s “repolonization” strategy, integrates the Baltic States with the Continental European Grid, and promotes EU energy solidarity.
