The NordBalt cable, connecting Lithuania and Sweden has started with power transmission tests, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, Litgrid, informed Monday.
According to Litgrid, during the test, electricity was flowing from Sweden to Lithuania and the other way round, with interconnection operating at 30 megawatts.
“Only after completely assured that other parts of the interconnection and their equipment were working flawlessly, we could proceed to one of the last stages of testing – power transmission. These tests and their outcome will define the reliability of the interconnection for the coming 30 years,” said Daivis Virbickas , Litgrid CEO and chairman of the board.
The ability to transmit electricity between Klaipėda and Nybro, as well as various parameters and functionality of HVDC converters, will be tested for a week at least. During the tests, the load will be gradually increased until the maximum load capacity is reached.
A cable of 700 MW capacity could cover around half of Lithuanian consumption needs on a warm winter day. NordBalt is implemented in cooperation with the Swedish TSO Svenska kraftnät.