Cabinet of Ministers has approved the environmental impact assessment report and right of way of the electricity transmission network interconnection named “Estonia-Latvia third electricity transmission network interconnection from Kilingi-Nōmme in Estonia to Riga CHP2 in Latvia”, and taking into account the significance of the Project, has assigned the status of National Interest for it.

In accordance with the proposed line route, supported by the government, new 20 km power transmission line will be built from Estonian border to the existing power line corridor Rujiena-Aloja, further on line will follow already existing corridor of power lines from Aloja to Limbazi and Skulte, till Saulkrasti. From there on power line will follow the corridor of expected “Rail Baltica” railway, but last 2 km section of the power line to the Riga CHP2 will follow the route of the planned road E22.

Project is to be implemented until year 2020 and it is included in the development plans of Latvian and European electricity transmission systems. As pointed out by the Ministry of Economics of Latvia, assignment of the status of National Interest for certain Project is the way, in which government implements its political will for development of National Energy Policy and meeting its international obligations.

In the framework of the Project it is planned to construct 180 km of 330 kV high voltage power transmission line from Riga CHP2 to the Estonian border, while Estonian TSO “Elering” will construct section of this transmission line in Estonian territory to the Kilingi Nōmme substation. Total costs of the Project in Latvian territory are estimated at 100 MEUR, 63 MEUR of which will be covered by Connecting Europe infrastructure interconnection Facility.

Procurement process for the construction of “Estonia-Latvia third 330 kV interconnection” is planned to be announced by the end of this year.