Mū?a substation - the energy link between Western and Eastern Lithuania

In preparation for synchronisation with the continental European grid, Litgrid, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, is building a new 330 kV Mū?a substation in the the historical area in Joni?kis district. It will be an important pillar of the country’s electricity transmission system.?

We talk to Matas Gvazdaitis , Project Manager of the Western Lithuania Group of the Synchronisation Programme Implementation Centre, about the impact of this project on the electricity transmission systems of Lithuania and neighbouring countries.?

What opportunities will the new Mū?os substation open up for the Lithuanian power system??

The construction of the Mū?a substation project will first and foremost increase the reliability, safety and security of the electricity transmission network in this part of Lithuania. This is important in preparation for synchronisation with the continental European grid.?

The Mū?a substation is not only important for synchronisation. It is estimated that Lithuania's total electricity consumption will grow by 46% to 18.7 TWh in 2031. To meet the growing energy needs, Litgrid is planning to build a new 330 kV transmission line through the Mū?a substation Darb?nai-Mū?a-Panev??ys.??

This line will serve as an important interconnector between Western and Eastern Lithuania and will contribute significantly to the strategic priorities of increased integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and offshore wind farms, and to improving the reliability and security of the electricity transmission grid.?

What are the implications for neighbouring countries??

The construction of the Musa substation will allow for increased interconnection capacity with Sweden and Latvia. This will create the conditions for more cheap electricity from Scandinavia to enter Lithuania and, if necessary, for electricity to be exported.?

What works are planned for the construction of the substation??

The Mū?a substation project, planned in Gatau?iai eldership, includes a 3.69 ha substation and 3.4 km of new power lines.??

The construction of the new 330 kV Mū?a substation will improve grid reliability. Currently, the area has a T-interconnection of three lines, with a total length of 182 km. This means that if a fault were to occur at one location, all three lines would be disconnected. The new substation will ensure a more reliable electricity supply in northern Lithuania, with the longest section being almost three times shorter than today.?

In addition, the interconnection is currently located in a cultural heritage site - the Battle of Saul? site. Therefore, the substation is planned to be located to the north of this area and the power lines will be routed around the cultural heritage protection zone.?

What are the phases and what is their stage??

The project consists of three phases.?

The first is the construction of a new substation, the second is the reconstruction of the 330 kV Jelgava-Siauliai overhead line in the municipality of the Joni?kis district, and the third is the reconstruction of the 330 kV overhead line on the Tel?iai line, also in the Joni?kis district.??

We have already applied for construction permits for all the phases. We expect to receive them in September.?

What are the next steps??

Once the building permits have been obtained, we will start the physical works. We will start with the installation of the foundations for the switchgear, and then continue with the installation of the equipment itself - circuit breakers, switchgear, metering transformers, surge arresters and other equipment necessary for the operation of the switchgear. Once the work on the switchgear is complete, we will move on to the second and third phases, during which we will install new sections of overhead lines and feed them into the newly built substation "Mū?a".?