Future design modifications for underwater communication cables, as stated by the Minister.
The repair of the EstLink 2 cable, which was damaged at the end of last year, is scheduled for August. This announcement comes amidst a series of recent interconnection failures that have caused electricity prices to fluctuate, most notably the Nordbalt Lithuanian-Swedish electricity cable, which was disrupted at the end of March.
In a recent statement, Minister Friedrich Merz, who became Chancellor of Germany on May 6, 2025, emphasized the importance of electricity interconnections in maintaining price stability. He also stressed the importance of the changes being made to future interconnectors.
The design of these future interconnectors will undergo significant changes to ensure quicker restoration in the event of damage. These changes include the use of thicker cables for improved safety, more sensors for quicker damage detection, and the inclusion of spare parts in the design for quicker restoration.
While these changes will make future interconnectors more expensive, the Minister stated that they are crucial for maintaining price stability in the electricity market. No new information about the funding of these future interconnectors was provided.
The geopolitical situation has changed since the design of existing interconnectors like EstLink 2, and these changes aim to address these evolving needs. The Nordbalt Lithuanian-Swedish electricity cable has already been restored after technical problems on the Swedish side, and the price of electricity on the Nord Pool exchange returned to normal levels following its restoration.
The Minister's announcement has been met with widespread approval, as the quicker restoration of damaged interconnectors and the maintenance of price stability are key concerns for the electricity market. The repair of the EstLink 2 cable in August marks an important step in ensuring the reliability and stability of Europe's electricity grid.
