Electric connection

The prospect of a Polish-Lithuanian energy bridge is being transformed into a more concrete project. After a letter of intent was signed by representatives of both countries' Ministries of Economy at the end of September, the first steps to realize the scheme will be taken in the coming weeks.

Deputy Minister of Economy Tomasz Wilczak explained last week that by November 16 the Polish Power Grid (PSE) and Lithuanian electricity producer Lietuvos Energija are to form a company to carry out a feasibility test, plan the project and estimate its costs. "We are prepared to spend large sums ... The project would be co-financed by the EU," Wilczak said. The entire project is estimated at between EUR 400-650 (zł.1,545-2,512) million and will require a 200 km electricity line between Ełk and the Lithuanian city of Alytus.

Lithuania is currently an exporter of electric energy. However, in 2009 it is supposed to shut down its nuclear power plant in Igalina, which provides more than 70 percent of the country's electricity. "We need interconnection, because after Igalina is closed our levels of supply will decrease," deputy director of the Lithuanian Energy Agency Jonas Kazlauskas said.

Deputy Minister Wilczak also underlined that the grid system in northeastern Poland has to be improved and invested in. "This should happen not only to open the gates for Lithuania," he said.