As construction begins on the new building of the "Jāņciems" dispatcher control and data center  – the central control hub of Latvia’s electricity transmission system – a symbolic time capsule containing a message for future generations has been sealed into its foundations. The project, financed by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and crucial for the reliable management and operation of Latvia’s electricity system, is being implemented by the transmission system operator AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” (AST), with completion planned for spring 2026.

Chairman of the Board of SIA "Newcom Construction", the main contractor for the "Jāņciems" dispatcher control and data center reconstruction project, Mārtiņš Bubens, Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, Andris Kužnieks, Minister for Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis and Chairman of the Board of JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls", Rolands Irklis. 

Photo - Paula Čurkste, Leta Foto

“People do not usually see or realize the vast and complex work carried out by the transmission system operator — we have become used to reliable and stable electricity supply. The AST team has professionally completed Latvia’s disconnection from the BRELL ring and the synchronisation of the Baltic States with the European electricity grid, leading the process nationally and contributing internationally. The challenges of the future are clear. That’s why building a new dispatch control and data center is a necessary and strategic step to manage the electricity system from modern facilities that meet all safety standards,” said Kaspars Melnis, Minister for Climate and Energy.

“The history of AST began here, at the location of the new dispatcher control and data center building — and today we are shaping its future. In recent years, we have invested significantly in transmission grid upgrades and substation modernization to ensure a secure and high-quality electricity transmission service for all Latvian residents. But behind this infrastructure are the people who maintain and repair lines, monitor and manage the system, and provide other services critical to the continuity of electricity supply. This project will provide our dispatchers and specialists with secure, EU-compliant working conditions within critical infrastructure, enabling us to continue to provide reliable energy services across Latvia,” emphasized Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the AST Management Board.

As part of the project, AST is constructing the new dispatcher control and data center "Jāņciems" and has already completed the construction of new production and warehouse buildings on the site. This project is of vital importance for the reliable management of the electricity system. In 2022, it was granted the status of a project of national interest and was included in the 10-year transmission system development plan approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

The dispatcher control and data center is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026. By spring 2027, a new building for the transport division and a control checkpoint will also be built in order to provide transport for operational field brigades, line and substation service personnel.

This significant project is co-financed by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility with a total investment of EUR 38.1 million, of which EUR 27 million have been allocated for the construction of the dispatcher control and data centre, and reconstruction of the production base territory and building complex, while EUR 11.1 million have been allocated to information systems infrastructure and grid management digitalization, with the project's implementation having virtually no impact on the electricity transmission tariff.