Renovated in 2016, the 110kV substation in Leisi, Saaremaa Island is a key link in the power grid of Estonia’s two largest islands, supplying electricity to all of Hiiumaa and northern and western Saaremaa. Elering AS renovated the substation as the Soviet-era equipment had depreciated, the goal being to help realize the development plan for the Estonian islands. In future, the medium-voltage cables leading from the substation to Hiiumaa are planned to be replaced by high-voltage cables. A possibility of connecting the wind farms in coastal areas is also envisioned.

AS Merko Infra carried out the substation renovation as a turnkey project. The works included erection of a 110kV H-type switchgear, a new two-storey substation building and laying access roads, establishing automation and relay protection system and dismantling old equipment. Construction took place with the high-voltage equipment partly still in operation, in cramped quarters. Modern substation equipment can be monitored and controlled remotely, allowing Elering to take rapid and efficient action in case of an outage.

On 1 July 2021, Merko Ehitus Eesti acquired a stake in Connecto Eesti, and the Merko electrical construction business line merged with Connecto. Acting jointly under the Connecto brand makes it possible for us to offer a significantly broader range of services – in addition to the design, construction and maintenance of low, medium and high voltage electricity networks, Connecto also operates in the field of telecommunications and gas networks.

View the works performed by Connecto.