The modernisation of transmission lines in North Karelia is progressing

Fingrid Oyj, the transmission system operator, is modernising the old 110 kV electricity transmission network and substations in North Karelia. The work will significantly improve transmission reliability in the region.

The project involves the modernisation of approximately 112 kilometres of 110 kV power lines. In addition, two substations will be modernised, and one new substation will be built. The Kontiolahti–Uimaharja section of the transmission line will be completed in the first week of March.

Network reinforcement demands close cooperation

The improvements to the North Karelian electricity network are being planned and implemented in close cooperation with the electricity distribution system operator in the region. The work is demanding, and it requires good planning. The project will result in a more reliable electricity transmission network for the region, and transmission reliability will remain strong long into the future.

Tens of thousands of people live in the areas around the electricity networks where work is underway, and efforts are being made to minimise visible disruption. Fingrid is working on contracts with the local distribution system operators and the Fingrid customers connected to the main grid.

Contracts due for completion in 2022

Three construction projects are underway to modernise the transmission lines in North Karelia over the period between 2019 and 2022. The first contract covered the modernisation of the transmission line between Uimaharju and Pamilo. The modernisation was completed in October 2019. The transmission line between Kontiolahti and Uimaharju was upgraded next. The modernised transmission line was commissioned at the start of March 2021. The coronavirus affected the contractors’ material deliveries, and it was not possible to commission the transmission line at the end of 2020 as originally planned. The section of the transmission line between Uimaharju and Palojärvi is now under construction for completion in summer 2022.

The upgrade works at the substations in Uimaharju and Kontiolahti have been completed. An entirely new substation is under construction in Palojärvi. Work is now underway, and the new substation will be commissioned in summer 2022.

TMV Line Oy is the contractor for all the transmission line contracts. Caverion Suomi Oy is the contractor for the Uimaharju substation, and TMV Service Oy is the contractor for the Kontiolahti and Palojärvi substations. Overall, the network reinforcements in North Karelia will cost Fingrid approximately EUR 30 million.

Additional information:

Antti Linna, Project Manager
tel. +358 30 395 5168