OREANDA-NEWS. November 11, 2009. Contract winner has been selected for performance of a feasibility study for reconstruction and extension of Alytus transformer substation (TS) with back-to-back station within the scope of Lithuania-Poland interconnection project. Today Lietuvos Energija AB signed a contract with a consortium of Sweco International AB and Sweco Lietuva UAB.

“The preparatory work for Lithuania-Poland interconnection is now gaining the momentum. This stage of the project will include not only the performance of a feasibility study but also the preparation of a proposal of technology for Alytus TS and back-to-back station, territorial planning documents", - said Mr. Jaroslavas Neverovicius, Chairman of the Board of LitPol Link, the joint venture, which organized the tender and is in charge of preparatory work for Lithuania-Poland interconnection. According to him, the work will have to be finished in 13 months, i.e. by the end of 2010. 

LitPol Link opted the winner out of 3 other bidders, based on the criteria of their experience in similar projects, skills and work experience of key specialists, representation in Lithuania, licences and bid price. The consortium has broad experience implementing international projects alike in the field of construction of energy, industrial and infrastructural sites, provides services of feasibility studies, strategic and territorial planning, design and other services. 

The consortium will also draft an environmental impact assessment and special plan for Lithuania’s first 400 kV power transmission line on Lithuanian territory (from Alytus substation to state border of Poland) and will assess environmental impact of reconstruction of Alytus TS and its extension with a back-to-back station. This work will also have to be finished by the end of 2010.

Having assessed the environmental impact and prepared the special plan, in accordance with terms of reference drafted by LitPol Link, a company for the preparation of technical project on construction of overhead line from Alytus TS to state border of Poland and reconstruction and extension of Alytus TS will be selected.

LitPol Link also coordinates preparatory work for construction of the power link on Polish territory. To date a detailed line route’s study with a comparative alternative analysis has been performed, documents, requisite for EIA procedures, have been prepared. The completion of EIA on Polish territory is scheduled for end of 2010.

The preparatory work for Lithuania-Poland interconnection on Lithuanian territory is financed by the Ignalina International Decommissioning Support Fund which is administered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).