Sweco has been given a key role in the development of the largest transmission line in Lithuania. The line is an important component of Lithuania’s efforts to increase its energy independence. The contract is worth over EUR 860,000.

In a new assignment, Sweco will plan a new 400 kV power transmission line between the Lithuanian city of Alytus and the Polish border.

”The transmission line will have the highest voltage ever built in Lithuania, and will also create an interconnection to the European grid and facilitate the exchange of power with other EU member states. This will be a critical step toward Lithuania’s goal to increase its energy independence,” said Eva Nygren, president of Sweco Sweden.

Swedish and Lithuanian consultants from Sweco are collaborating on the assignment, which has been divided into two phases. The first involves preparation of an environmental impact assessment and a territorial planning document for construction of the new transmission line. In the second, Sweco will design and draft a plan for the upgrade of a transformer station in Alytus. The station will be equipped with a technologically advanced solution for interconnection between the countries, a so-called back-to-back converter.

At the EU’s request, Lithuania will shut down the nuclear power plant at Ignalina on Dec. 31, 2009. As compensation for this, the EU is contributing funding for the new power line that will connect Lithuania to the European power grid. Sweco’s consultants in Lithuania have been previously involved in connection with decommissioning of the Ignalina plant, where they are providing technical and environmental expertise. Sweco’s client is Lietuvos Energija AB, the owner and operator of the Lithuanian power system. Sweco’s work is scheduled for completion in December 2010.