Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid has signed contracts with energy infrastructure development and maintenance company Tetas for the design and construction of 110 kV switchyards at Linkaičiai and Tarvainiai traction substations. These facilities will connect to the transmission network, contributing to the implementation of the state-priority railway electrification project on the Vilnius–Klaipėda route, spearheaded by LTG Infra.
The 110/27.5 kV Linkaičiai and Tarvainiai traction substations, once connected to Litgrid’s transmission network, will ensure power supply for electric trains. The 110 kV switchyards are being built at the request of LTG Infra, which is funding the design and construction of the substations and their connection to the network. The constructed 110 kV switchyard and overhead lines will become the property of Litgrid.
Contracts have been signed with Tetas, which submitted the most economically advantageous proposal. The value of the contract for the design and construction of the Linkaičiai traction substation is €3.5 million (excluding VAT), while the Tarvainiai substation contract is worth €3.3 million (excluding VAT).
“These projects will contribute to a nationally significant goal – electrifying Lithuania’s main railway artery, Vilnius–Klaipėda. In total, we are implementing six traction substation projects to ensure sustainable electricity use for passenger and freight transport in the future, reducing air pollution and the negative impact on climate change. With the rapid expansion of renewable energy, Lithuania will see an increase in electricity-based projects,” said Karolis Sabaliauskas, Head of the Strategic Infrastructure Department at Litgrid.
“Traction substations are the most complex component of the electrification project, involving sophisticated electrical engineering solutions. We are delighted to have a reliable partner like Litgrid, whose experience will ensure the successful and smooth implementation of the substations,” said Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra.
The contractor selected for the Linkaičiai traction substation will prepare a detailed project and construct a new 110 kV switchyard, along with two double-circuit 1.7 km transmission lines from the Linkaičiai substation to the Šeduva and Radviliškis transformer substations. Additionally, an 8.6 km section of the 110 kV overhead line between Šeduva and Radviliškis will be repaired.
The contractor for the Tarvainiai traction substation will also prepare a detailed project and build a new 110 kV switchyard, along with two double-circuit 0.6 km transmission lines from the Tarvainiai substation to the Telšiai and Plungė transformer substations. A 7.2 km section of the 110 kV overhead line between Telšiai and Plungė will also be repaired.
Upon completion of the Vilnius–Klaipėda electrification project by LTG Infra, a 363 km catenary network will be installed. Besides the catenary installation, the electrification project includes constructing six traction substations in Lentvaris, Žeimiai, Linkaičiai, Tarvainiai, Kretinga, and Žasliai. These will be connected to the Litgrid transmission network, tested, and supplemented by eight autotransformers to ensure voltage stability in the catenary network.
The Vilnius–Klaipėda railway line is the most heavily used rail corridor in the country, making its electrification crucial for national infrastructure. Last year, this route handled about 40% of rail freight and 16% of passenger traffic. and 16% of passenger traffic.
