"Sweden has emerged as Lithuania's guarantee for energy security. The NordBalt power link will further strengthen our partnership. This link will be not only practical but also symbolic. NordBalt will connect the Baltic countries to one of the most secure systems in the world – the Swedish energy system," the President said.
Having strengthened energy links with the Nordic countries, the Baltic States will reduce their dependence on Russia. A stable power supply will be ensured at a competitive price.
This project of great technological complexity has been implemented through joint efforts within a year and a half. The link consists of high-voltage direct-current undersea and underground cables and converter stations in Lithuania and Sweden. Cables and substations have been made by Asea Brown Boveri (ABB), a global technology company with most of the Swedish capital.
All the work related to building the NordBalt cable was completed in the Baltic Sea in summer. This 400 km long marine cable – one of the longest in the world – is protected from vessels and fishing gear.
Since 2012 Lithuania has been member of the Nordic countries' power market, NordPool Spot, which is leading in Europe and functioning in a transparent manner. However, once the link becomes operational, Lithuania will emerge as an important market player and will not only be able to trade in electricity through the power trading grid of the Nordic countries but will also have a real alternative channel of energy imports and exports.
The opening of the link NordBalt is scheduled for 14 December this year.