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Lithuania's power link with Sweden shut down due to malfunction

Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

The NordBalt, an electricity interconnection with Sweden, was shut down on Friday due to malfunction, Litgrid, Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, announced on Monday.

"The malfunction occurred in Swedish territory. The duration of repair works will be clear after identifying the exact place of the malfunction," said Litgrid in its announcement.

According to local media, this is one of the most serious shutdowns after the electricity interconnection went into commercial operation a month ago.

The shutdown has immediately increased electricity prices. On Monday, the price of electricity in Lithuanian trading zone has jumped by 41 percent to 41 euros (46 U.S. dollars) per megawatt hour, compared to the price on Friday, just before the shutdown.

After the shutdown, Lithuania has increased its electricity imports from Latvia, Estonia and Finland via northern power links, reports business news website vz.lt.

Due to decreased electricity supply from Sweden to Lithuania, Estonia has almost doubled its electricity production, while Latvia has switched on its two thermal power stations in Riga, according to Litgrid.

Last week, before the shutdown, Lithuania imported 81 percent of its electricity supplies, mainly from Sweden, Latvia, Estonia and Finland.

Litgrid is concerned that electricity price can climb higher due to planned repair works at LitPol Link, Lithuania's strategic electricity link with Poland.

LitPol Link is to be shut down on Tuesday, according to transmission system operator.

NordBalt, the 700 MW power link, is Lithuania's first interconnection with Scandinavia. A 453 kilometer-long cross-border electricity link is also one of the longest sea cables in the world.

Lithuania, a small Baltic country, has built itself power link with Sweden and Poland to gain access to European electricity market, enhance the diversification of its electricity supplies and lower the costs for electricity consumers. Endit