The information was translated using the ChatGPT service.
The electricity distribution system operator AS "Sadales tīkls" has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Economics for the financing of the European Union (EU) Recovery Fund amounting to 41.9 million euros.
With the support of this financing, in the coming years, the project "AS "Sadales tīkls" electricity distribution system modernization" is planned to be implemented with the goal to improve the quality and safety of electricity supply, enhance the system capacity for the integration of renewable energy resources, and ensure the development of information system control and automated management solutions.
In the modernization of Latvia's electrical networks, promoting the integration of renewable energy capacity and ensuring the safety and flexibility of the networks, additional investments will be made from the Recovery Fund support program. Within its framework, "Sadales tīkls" will have the opportunity to increase electricity capacities for populated areas, establish distribution system connections for publicly accessible electric vehicle charging devices and micro-generation devices (solar panels)," emphasizes the Minister of Economics, Ilze Indriksone.
Support from the Recovery Fund is invaluable for strengthening the overall electricity supply system. "Support from external funds is crucial, especially in these socio-economically and geopolitically complex times, proactively improving and adapting the distribution infrastructure in line with energy development trends without financial impact on customers," emphasizes Sandis Jansons, the Chairman of the Board of "Sadales tīkls".
Regarding the allocated funding, several project activities are planned to be implemented by May 2026. For example, plans include the construction or reconstruction of medium voltage power lines over a distance of 75 kilometers, increasing the connection capacity availability for business development – these projects are planned in Apē, Lapmežciems, Ropaži, Mālpils, Roja, Valdemārpils, Jaunmārupe, Ādaži, Kalnciems, and Baldone. Plans also include replacing 840 transformers, reducing their repair and maintenance costs, and improving network safety and electricity supply quality.
Additionally, plans involve equipping up to 700 transformer substations with solar panels to produce the electricity needed for their operation, reducing technological consumption (losses) and thus the overall electricity procurement costs of the operator. It is also intended to establish 2060 connection points for electric vehicle charging stations or micro-generation equipment installation throughout Latvia in collaboration with other state and local government institutions. With the support of the fund, a smart electricity accounting IT system is also planned, as well as the development of a portal for the implementation of an electricity market data exchange and storage platform. Additionally, improvements are planned in the energy efficiency of the "Sadales tīkls" buildings.
Given the conditions for receiving the funding, some of the aforementioned project activities have already started.
As previously informed, the total funding of the Recovery Fund support program "Electricity Transmission and Distribution Network Modernization" developed by the Ministry of Economics is 80 million euros, which by 2026 will be invested in the modernization of the electricity supply systems of AS "Sadales tīkls" and AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" with the aim of promoting the integration and use of renewable energy resources in common electrical networks, ensuring the safety and flexibility of network operations, and the creation of infrastructure suitable for the connection of electric vehicles and distributed generation.
Additional Information:
Alīna Kozlovska | External Communications Manager | AS "Sadales tīkls"