All three projects contribute to integrating the regional electricity market, increasing system reliability and achieving national and European sustainability goals. The preservation of vital infrastructure for Baltic synchronisation is also given careful consideration. To make sure that development aligns with the EU's energy and climate goals, the ENTSO-E TYNDP involves scenario building, stakeholder discussions, and collaborative modelling of the European electrical system. In addition, it includes evaluating the economic, technical, and social effects of the projects through a cost-benefit analysis. The TYNDP projects that meet the requirements can be recognised as Projects of Common Interest and are eligible for EU funding.
“The application we are submitting today is a real step forward for Lithuania, Latvia and Germany towards a maritime electricity connection, which will increase the resilience of critical energy infrastructure across the entire region. The Baltic Hub serves as a clear illustration of how we are promoting the growth of renewable energy and energy security not only through declarations, but also through practical action. Today’s step will ensure that the offshore power link between Germany and the Baltic States appears on the EU’s energy infrastructure map,” Lithuanian Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas said.
“We are consistently implementing the EPSO-G group’s strategy. We are striving for greater integration and increased capacity in the region. By enabling renewable energy and increasing resilience in a broader sense, we have the opportunity to partner with Germany in two sectors: energy and defence. We are proud to contribute to the energy transition and the security of Lithuania’s defence capabilities,” Mr Mindaugas Keizeris, CEO of EPSO-G, noted.
“In February this year, we successfully disconnected from the Russian power grid and connected to the continental European networks. However, our commitment to ensuring future energy integration and security does not end there. The potential for offshore wind energy production in the Baltic Sea is around 93 GW, compared to less than 5 GW currently installed. We are responsibly assessing the possibilities for developing new connections with Germany and Latvia and carefully protecting the existing infrastructure to ensure that Lithuania achieves its goal of becoming a renewable electricity exporting country,” Rokas Masiulis, CEO of Litgrid, said.
In early April, Energy Minister Vaičiūnas, together with Latvian Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis and Volker Oschmann, Director-General for Electricity at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, presented the planned project for an offshore electricity interconnection between the Baltic States and Germany.The project concept presented by Litgrid, Augstsprieguma tīkls, and 50Hertz encompasses a 2 GW hybrid offshore connection, known as the Baltic Hub, which is approximately 600 km long. The connection point in the Baltic countries is planned to be on the border between Lithuania and Latvia, with the exact location to be determined following technical studies. The project is expected to be completed between 2035 and 2037.
In addition to facilitating the integration of up to 2 GW of offshore wind capacity in Lithuania and Latvia and increasing onshore renewable energy generation, the Baltic Hub project would allow electricity trading between the Baltic nations and Germany. This project would increase the reliability of the electricity supply to all three countries.
The other two international projects submitted by Litgrid are related to the strengthening of onshore electricity infrastructure. The Baltic synchronisation project is being submitted with a view to the smooth implementation of the Harmony Link interconnection project and to strengthening the protection of existing critical infrastructure, while a new electricity interconnection with Latvia will ensure market integration as the capacity of renewable energy power plants grows rapidly in Lithuania.
