Over 390 tons of synchronous condenser equipment, essential for the stability of Latvia's power system, has been received at the Port of Ventspils

At the Freeport of Ventspils, a significant shipment for Latvia's power system stability has been received from the Germany. This includes – the second synchronous condenser, its flywheel and component parts, with a total weight exceeding 390 tons. Ordered by JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls" (AST) and manufactured by "Siemens Energy", synchronous condenser will ensure the stable operation of the power system after disconnection from the Russian-controlled system and synchronisation with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA).

By the end of the month, this important shipment will be delivered to the AST substation in Ventspils. In May, the first synchronous condenser was installed in Latvia in Grobina, and this week construction of the synchronous condenser station building will begin in Līksna, where the third condenser equipment will be delivered by the end of the year. The total investment of the project reaches 114 million. EUR, 75% being the co-financing of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

JSC Augstsprieguma tīkls, in cooperation with EM&SE Syncons, a general partnership formed by Siemens Energy of Germany and SIA Enersense of Latvia, in Latvia will construct, and connect to the transmission network three synchronous condenser stations. 

Synchronous condensers will ensure the necessary inertia in the electric power system, as well as short-circuit power for relay protection and the safe connection of solar and wind power plants. The synchronous condensers will be installed in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia — three in each country.The construction of synchronous condensers is part of the transmission system infrastructure reinforcement projects needed to synchronise the Baltic electricity system with the CESA. The synchronisation project is in its final phase. In February 2025, three Baltic states will decouple from Russian and Belarusian grids to join the CESA.

The synchronisation of the Baltic networks with CESA will increase the security of electricity supply in the region while promoting the development of the European internal energy market and creating new business opportunities. The investments in equipment and technologies are also one of the preconditions for the secure connection of large-scale renewable energy sources to the transmission network and for meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal.

About JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls"

AST, the Latvian electrical power transmission system operator, ensures uninterrupted and secure transmission of electricity throughout Latvia. Its vision is to become the leading transmission system operator in the region through the efficient and successful implementation of development-oriented changes. AST has 68.46% shareholding in the capital of the operator of the natural gas transmission and storage system AS “Conexus Baltic Grid”.