Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST)

Augstsprieguma tīkls AS (AST) is Latvia’s independent electricity transmission system operator and a regulated public service provider whose sole shareholder is the Republic of Latvia, represented by the Ministry of Climate and Energy. The company operates and controls the national high‑voltage grid at 110 kV and above, ensuring secure, reliable and continuously available electricity transmission across the entire territory of Latvia and maintaining system balance and stability. Its transmission network comprises thousands of kilometres of lines, numerous substations and cross‑border interconnections that link Latvia with neighbouring power systems and the wider European market. Through published tariffs and non‑discriminatory third‑party access, AST serves distribution system operators, electricity producers, traders and large users. AST heads a group structured around three operating segments: electricity transmission, natural gas transmission and natural gas storage. Its subsidiary Conexus Baltic Grid, in which AST holds a 68.46% stake, is the unified natural gas transmission and storage operator in Latvia, operating the Inčukalns underground gas storage facility and the main gas transmission system that connects Latvia with Lithuania, Estonia and other regional markets. In 2024, AST transmitted about 6 TWh of electricity to Latvian users, while Conexus transported more than 25 TWh of natural gas and fully allocated 24.8 TWh of storage capacity. Strategic priorities centre on energy security, integration with the Continental European grid and enabling large‑scale renewable energy deployment. AST is a lead implementer of the Baltic synchronisation project, investing heavily in new and rebuilt 330 kV lines, synchronous compensators, battery energy storage systems, substation modernisation and IT systems for market and balance management, including 15‑minute trading and a Baltic balancing capacity market platform. The group finances part of this programme through a green bond framework supported by international investors and emphasises sustainability through “green” substations, biodiversity and emissions‑reduction initiatives, regularly recognised by national sustainability and governance awards.