;
1.11.2016 12:00
Press Releases

Cross-border capacity upgrade between Finland and Sweden

Finland’s transmission system operator Fingrid and its Swedish counterpart Svenska Kraftnät are starting preparations for a new AC transmission line between the two countries. The new line will boost the transmission capacity between Finland and Sweden by 800 megawatts, an increase of approximately 30% over the current capacity. The planned route for the transmission line runs from Messaure in Sweden to Keminmaa and Pyhänselkä in Finland. The target for completion is by 2025.

Fingrid and Svenska Kraftnät have prepared a joint study into the availability of electricity transmission capacity between the countries over the next two decades. Factors prompting this study include the major differences in Finnish and Swedish electricity prices, the ageing Fenno-Skan 1 transmission link as well as the ongoing major transformation of the Nordic power system. Several options were studied: construction of a new northern AC transmission line between the countries, and various alternatives to replace the Fenno-Skan 1 link.
 
The study indicates that a new northern AC transmission line is feasible in terms of the national economy, and it would also improve the technical capacity of the power system. Fingrid and Svenska Kraftnät are now starting preparations for a new AC transmission line on the basis of these results.
 
It is also practical from a national economic perspective to replace the Fenno-Skan 1 link after the new AC transmission line has been completed. The companies will continue to carry out feasibility studies on the matter.
 
The new northern transmission line will boost the transmission capacity between Finland and Sweden by 800 megawatts, representing an increase of nearly 30 per cent. The planned route for the transmission line runs from Messaure in Sweden to Keminmaa and Pyhänselkä in Finland. The total cost of the investment is nearly EUR 200 million. The target completion date for the project is by 2025.
 
“This a project of huge national importance for Finland,” says Jukka Ruusunen, President & CEO of Fingrid. In addition to providing direct benefits to the electricity markets, the increased transmission capacity will also improve the reliability of the electricity supply and the flexibility of the power system, which is vital for a future system based on renewable sources of energy.”
 
Further information:
Jukka Ruusunen, President & CEO, tel. +358 30 395 5140 or +358 40 593 8428
Jussi Jyrinsalo, Senior Vice President, Grid services and planning, tel. +358 30 395 5118 or +358 40 550 2044