'Litgrid' Announces Procurement of Three Shunt Reactors for 'Harmony Link' Connection

Lithuania's electricity transmission system operator, Litgrid, is moving forward with its strategic 'Harmony Link' project connecting the country to Poland by initiating the procurement of three controllable shunt reactors. These 220-kilovolt (kV) reactors are essential for voltage regulation within the power transmission system, a critical parameter for managing the grid.

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We are preparing in advance to implement the 'Harmony Link' land connection project with Poland smoothly and on time.

This international tender covers the manufacturing, testing, delivery, and assembly of the reactors. Litgrid anticipates that these units will become operational by the end of 2030, coinciding with the activation of the 220 kV line. "We are preparing in advance to implement the 'Harmony Link' land connection project with Poland smoothly and on time," stated Andrius Šemeškevičius, CEO of Litgrid. He highlighted that these 220 kV devices will be the first in the Baltic states, as this voltage level is standard in Poland and continental Europe.

The new reactors will be installed at the Gižai substation, the starting point for the 'Harmony Link' connection in Lithuania. Litgrid is proceeding with this procurement even before the substation's design is finalized, acknowledging the lengthy lead times for such specialized equipment. Currently, Lithuania operates one 330 kV controllable shunt reactor and eleven smaller, non-regulated reactors, whose impact is localized.

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220 kV voltage devices will be the first in the Baltic states, as this voltage level is used in the networks of Poland and all of continental Europe.

Litgrid also recently contracted for three 330 kV controllable shunt reactors, one of which will also be at the Gižai substation. The other two will be installed in Darbėnai and Mūša substations as part of a program to strengthen interconnections, following the construction of new 330 kV power lines. The 'Harmony Link' project, designated as a state project of strategic importance, is planned to commence construction in the second quarter of 2027, with initial operational estimates around 2030, though potential for earlier completion is being explored.

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Due to long equipment delivery times, the procurement of shunt reactors is being carried out without waiting for the completion of the Gižai transformer substation design.