0. Director of Energy Development Department
PREPARATION THE STUDY FOR SYNCHRONOUS OPERATION OF THE BALTIC TRANSMISSION GRID WITH THE UCTE POWER SYSTEMS TAKING INTO THE OUTPUT OF BALTIC RING PROJECT WITH THE ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT CONDITIONS
Dr. Dalius Šulga
Director of Energy Development Department
Lietuvos Energija AB
Vilnius, October 5, 2007

1. BALTIC RING STUDY
From the beginning of 1996 to early 1998, 18 power companies and utility organizations from the 11 countries around the Baltic Sea have carried through the Baltic Ring Study.
In 1998 was prepared Baltic Ring Study. The Study is based on: a vision of creating a common electricity market around the Baltic Sea, emphasizing the need for environmental improvements.
One of the scenarios (case 7) of the Study was synchronous operation of Baltic Power Systems and UCTE. In this scenario were identified main necessary upgrades to implement connection of Baltic Power System to UCTE.
Results of the Study have showed that for connection of Baltic Power Systems to UCTE there arises need for huge rearrangements in Baltic Power Systems and neighbouring power systems.

2. NECESSARY CHANGES IN BALTIC POWER SYSTEM

3. BALTIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ACCORDING BALTIC RING STUDY

4. COSTS FOR SYNCHRONIOUS OPERATION

5. CONCLUSIONS OF THE BALTIC RING STUDY FOR SYNCHRONISATION WITH UCTE
Required new interconnections between Russian Kaliningrad Region and Belarus. Kaliningrad region – synchronously interconnected with Russia;
Requires improvements of Byelorussian and Russian power systems;
Required new interconnection lines between Estonia and Latvia as well as between Lithuania and Poland, since the network in the Baltic’s will become weak after a separation from the IPS/CIS system.
Necessary investments for disconnection of Baltic’s MECU. It includes not all necessary upgrades;
It is necessary to construct minimum 3 lines to ensure minimum reliability for interconnection of power systems. To ensure dynamic stability it is necessary to connect these 3 lines to different nodes
It was recommended asynchronous high voltage interconnection. Synchronous operation of Baltic and UCTE Power Systems was analysed, but not recommended.
All changes should be analysed in new study with UCTE

6. ADVANTAGES OF DC ALTERNATIVE
Easier operation, controllable power flows on interface,
No negative impact to other power systems;
Black start capability;
Possible to use for system services (frequency control, fast reserve)
No need to involve all UCTE members;
Faster to implement;
Cheaper
DC lines has less negative impact to environment;
Less transmission losses for power transmission in long distances.

7. INTEGRATION WITH UCTE
Cooperation between Lietuvos energija, Aukstsprieguma tikls, Pohivork and PSE-Operator is established for connection of Baltic’s with UCTE for synchronous operation;
4 TSOs started to prepare Feasibility study for interconnection of Baltic power systems with UCTE for synchronous operation;
Uncertainties:
Requirements for Baltic’s for primary frequency control and momentary power reserves according to UCTE Handbook;
Full scale Feasibility study about interconnection of Baltic power systems with UCTE for synchronous operation can continue at least 2 years according to UCTE procedures and many power systems involved in UCTE;
Unclear requirements for biggest generating unit in Baltic’s – possible impact to nuclear power plant development and limitations for thermal units. There is possible, that biggest generating unit should be not bigger than – MW;
Due to geographical location and configuration of Baltic power systems and big size of generating units there is big probability of dynamical oscillations in Baltic power systems after synchronous interconnection with UCTE;
From today's perspective additional transmission lines should be constructed for ensuring security of supply and quality of electricity supply in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland;
Lower reliability of Baltic power systems;
Invite Russian side into analysis and study (Kaliningrad region);
To ensure minimum reliability it is necessary construct at least 3 lines between Baltic’s and UCTE.

8. BALTICS HIGHEST PRIORITY PROJECTS
To Sweden
Lithuania – Poland (LITPOL LINK)
Estonia – Finland (ESTLINK 2)
Baltic’s – Sweden (Sweden – Lithuania SWEDLIT or Latvia – Sweden)
Estonia – Latvia (Sindi – Riga)

9. Director of Energy Development Department
Thank You
Dr. Dalius Šulga
Director of Energy Development Department
Lietuvos Energija AB
Zveju str. 14, LT , Vilnius
Lithuania