Elektrilevi plans Saaremaa 110 kV loop by 2030

Estonian electricity network operator Elektrilevi plans to complete a 110-kilovolt loop supply line on Saaremaa by 2030, ERR reported. The first section of the new line, costing more than four million euros, was opened on Thursday.

The nearly 28-kilometre section is the first step towards creating a 110 kV loop in western Saaremaa. It replaces a 35 kV line that is about half a century old. The new masts are taller, while the width of the line corridor remains unchanged. Concrete masts were brought from Ukraine and steel lattice masts from Turkey.

“All these new high-voltage lines that we are building are designed so they can be operated at 110 kV in the future. That is the future we are moving towards. We will then have greater transmission capacity and lower losses,” Elektrilevi chief executive Mihkel Härm said.

Two more lines on Saaremaa must be reconstructed to be ready for 110 kV operation before the section opened on Thursday can be energised at the higher voltage.

“We very much hope to make progress by 2030 so that the red sections do not remain here for a long time,” Elektrilevi board member Ardi Ratassepp said. The work is expected to cost at least 10 million euros.

Härm said the investment was particularly important for industrial consumers, as large connection capacities had exceeded the network’s current limits. Completing the loop and switching it to 110 kV would also create more room for new electricity generation to connect to the grid, he said.

Saaremaa rural municipality mayor Rainer Antsaar said residents still questioned the need for a separate 330 kV line planned by transmission system operator Elering. He said any such line should be placed underground as far as possible and should avoid nature reserves and other protected areas.