The Harmony Link: Securing Energy in Poland and Lithuania
Let's dive in!
Joint Energy Venture of Poland and Lithuania Poses a Challenge to Russian Energy Influence
Poland and Lithuania are stepping up their game with the Harmony Link, a strategic energy initiative aimed at bolstering the region's energy security by 2030. The main players behind this ambitious project are Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) and Litgrid, the Lithuanian transmission system operator.
Originally, the Harmony Link was envisioned as a 300km-long undersea cable, circumnavigating the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. However, due to escalating costs, this idea has been shelved, with PSE and Litgrid opting for a more cost-effective overland route.
This land- based route will connect the Ełk Bis station in Poland and a new station in Gizai, Lithuania, via a 220 kV dual-circuit alternating current line. In addition, PSE will construct two new stations, Norki and Wigry, and upgrade the existing 220 kV line from Ostrołęka to Ełk Bis.
By the end of 2024, PSE and Litgrid are expected to make a final investment decision, kickstarting procurement processes and securing necessary permits. Construction tenders are scheduled for 2026, with the new connection expected to be up and running by the end of 2030.
The Big Picture
The switch from an undersea to an overland power link represents a strategic shift in Poland and Lithuania's approach to regional energy security. The Harmony Link is part of a broader mission to integrate the Baltic states into the European energy network, thus mitigating their reliance on Russian infrastructure.
This project aligns with the escalating geopolitical tensions and Europe's broader endeavors to diversify energy sources and routes. The completion of Harmony Link will be a significant milestone in these efforts, bolstering the energy supply's resilience and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the Harmony Link project serves as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of regional energy strategies, paving the way for greater energy independence for the Baltic states while improving the energy security of Poland and Lithuania.
Get the Latest News on Poland's Energy Sector
Want to stay in the loop? Sign up now to receive our weekly roundup of the latest news from Poland's booming energy sector. Don't miss a beat!
We promise we won't spam!
Confirm your subscription by checking your inbox or spam folder.
- The Harmony Link project, initiated by PSE and Litgrid, is expected to utilize a dual-circuit alternating current line connecting the Ełk Bis station in Poland and a new station in Gizai, Lithuania, by the end of 2030.
- In addition to the Harmony Link, PSE is planning to construct two new stations, Norki and Wigry, and upgrade the existing 220 kV line from Ostrołęka to Ełk Bis.
- By 2024, PSE and Litgrid aim to make a final investment decision and secure necessary permits for this energy project, with construction tenders scheduled for 2026.
- Integrating the Baltic states into the European energy network via the Harmony Link is a strategic effort to reduce dependence on Russian infrastructure, aligning with broader European initiatives to diversify energy sources and routes.
- The upcoming construction of the Harmony Link overland power link and related infrastructure may lead to significant improvements in energy supply resilience and stability for the region.
- The strategic shift to an overland power link rather than an undersea cable highlights the adaptability and resilience of regional energy strategies in Poland and Lithuania.
