Elering to prepare Estonian grid for more renewables
Estonia, Tallin: Estonian transmission system operator Elering has secured funding from the European Commission to speed up the integration of renewable energy.
Image source: Power Engineering International
Estonia, Tallin: Estonian transmission system operator Elering has secured funding from the European Commission to speed up the integration of renewable energy.
The $34.7 M (€30 M) in funding approved by the European Commission will enable Elering to modernise existing and build new energy transmission infrastructure.
Elering plans to strengthen its 110 KV power line in Western Estonia to ensure the transmission network is able to transport an increasing amount of renewable energy capacity.
“The 110 kV power line approaching the 330 kV network from the islands and Lääne County are currently a major impediment when it comes to improving dispersed renewable energy and are in need of significant reinforcement,” said Kalle Kilk, Member of the Management Board and Head of Asset Management of Elering.
The most significant benefit for the security of supply is the construction of lines feeding the islands on separate masts. Presently, there is a potential hazard of the interruption of the entire supply of electricity to the islands should the double-circuit line be switched off. The investments to be made will improve the resistance of the 110 kV network to weather conditions with regard to impact arising from icy conditions and high temperatures.
The funding will be issued through the Commission’s Recovery and Resilience Facility which aims to accelerate the digital and green transition for member states.
Projects to be deployed are also expected to help the integration of the Estonian grid with that of western European countries, a move that will help reduce the reliance of Estonia on the Russian grid. Elering says it has developed a new methodology that will reduce the Russian energy supply into Latvia.
The news follows Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency announcing that by leveraging renewables including solar and wind, Europe has the potential to address the soaring energy prices being witnessed across the bloc’s energy market.
Source: Power Engineering International
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