Budimex SA has signed an agreement for the expansion of the Ełk Bis substation along with the reconstruction of the 220/110 kV Ełk substation. The investment is of strategic importance for increasing the energy security of north-eastern Polish and the development of power connections with the Baltic States. The works are scheduled to be completed within 45 months of signing the agreement, and the value of the contract, including option rights, is PLN 195.5 million net.
The agreement signed on 27 October 2026 by Poland’s largest general contractor is part of an important project of Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne called “Harmony Link”, which aims to increase the possibility of electricity exchange between Poland and Lithuania and further strengthen the energy security of the Baltic Sea region. Under the contract, Budimex will be responsible for the comprehensive expansion of the 400/220/110 kV Ełk Bis substation and the dismantling of part of the infrastructure of the existing 220/110 kV Ełk substation. The investment includes both the preparation of project documentation and the implementation of advanced construction works. The modernisation will allow the infrastructure to be adapted to the current technical requirements of the transmission system operator, increasing the reliability of electricity supply and the possibility of further development of the national transmission network.
“Energy is one of the key directions of Budimex’s development. We see great potential in this sector, related to both the modernisation of the national transmission infrastructure and the growing demand for energy. We want to actively participate in this transformation, using our experience in the implementation of large infrastructure projects and constantly developing our competences in the field of power construction. The contract in Ełk is another step in strengthening our position on this market,” says Artur Popko, President of the Management Board and CEO of Budimex SA, during the signing of the agreement.
The scope of work includes the expansion of the 400 kV switchgear, the construction of a new 220 kV switchgear and the reconstruction of the existing one and the construction of another 110 kV switchgear. Two new autotransformer stations will also be built, i.e. devices for changing the voltage level and a choke station that takes care of the stability and quality of electricity. The investment also includes the construction of a technological building and a guardhouse, the modernization of security and automation systems, and the construction of a 400 kV rail bridge for the connection of energy partners.
The value of the basic scope of the contract is approx. PLN 179 million net. The agreement also provides for four option rights with a total net value of approx. PLN 16 million. If they are used, the total value of the contract will amount to approx. PLN 195.5 million net.
Strategic investment for Polish and the Baltic States
The expansion of the Ełk Bis substation is one of the elements of the PSE Harmony Link project, which assumes the construction of a new power connection between Poland and Lithuania. Its main part on the Polish side will be a cable line with a voltage of 220 kV, about 100 km long, connecting the Ełk region with the state border.
” The construction of the Harmony Link connection is one of the largest projects implemented by PSE. The investment will not only increase energy security in our part of Europe, but will also create new opportunities for economic development in north-eastern Poland ,” said Grzegorz Onichimowski, President of PSE.
Harmony Link, in addition to the LitPol Link interconnector operating since 2016, will increase the possibilities of energy exchange between Poland and Lithuania and strengthen the energy security of the region. The investment, which is financially supported by the European Union, will also create conditions for the development of north-eastern Polish, enabling the connection of new energy sources, including RES and large industrial customers. The extensive infrastructure will also support the development of high-speed rail and investments in the Suwałki Special Economic Zone.
The implementation of the contract is in line with the development of Budimex’s operations in the energy sector. The company has experience in the implementation of advanced industrial and power power investments, including the construction of a power unit in Turów and projects for PGNiG Termika. The company is currently in the process of implementing, for m.in example, the expansion and modernisation of the Piła Krzewina substation and the construction of the 220/110kV Żagań substation. The new contract in Ełk is the next stage in strengthening the company’s competences in the area of strategic energy infrastructure.
