14 days to synchronisation of the Baltic States with the European grid. Baltic leaders commit to strengthening existing infrastructure

On the 24th of January, the Baltic Energy Ministers and the Polish State Secretary met in Riga to discuss the final steps related to the preparation for the joint synchronisation of the Baltic States. At the meeting, Ministers confirmed their commitment to infrastructure and resilience measures by signing a joint letter to the European Commission, that is coordinated with Poland. 

On 8-9 February, the Baltic States will disconnect from the Russian grid and join the common European grid, which from the generation perspective, is three times bigger than the Russian grid. This is the most ambitious energy independence and regional security project to be jointly implemented by the Baltic electricity transmission system operators from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland on the European side of the single grid. The Baltic countries are ready to join the European power system, having invested 15 years of hard work in the project to ensure successful accession and a stable electricity supply system.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Energy assessed the overall energy supply situation in the Baltic States with the Baltic operators and the responsible energy ministries and we agree that the recent unplanned damage of the Finnish-Estonian cable (Estlink-2) does not affect the Baltic States’ ability to safely disconnect from the Russian and Belarusian electricity systems to connect to the European grid.

The analysis shows that the Baltic States have sufficient capacity and external connections such as Estlink-1, NordBalt and LitPolink to synchronise with Europe without relying on the EstLink-2 interconnector. In recent years, solar and wind power plants have been connected to the Baltic system, providing an increase in generation capacity. The Baltic States also have sufficient dispatchable capacities available.

Kaspars Melnis, Minister for Climate and Energy: “Looking back, preparations for this security project have taken place on several levels. At the Baltic level, we have strengthened our €1,6 billion infrastructure, developed the IT systems of transmission operators, made a close regional cooperation and coordinated action at the national level to successfully complete this project from start to finish. We have worked intensively over the last year, meeting with a range of partners. This includes municipalities, civil protection commissions, hospitals, major energy consumers, insurers and others to explain the nature of the synchronisation project. We have also worked intensively on publications and visual materials for both citizens and businesses to consider ahead of the upcoming power synchronisation.”

“We are approaching a historic step in which we, the three Baltic States, become participants not only in the European electricity market, but also in the European energy system. When we start to operate at the same frequency in the synchronous zone in continental Europe  we will become energy independent, so that energy will no longer be a tool of blackmail or influence. During the preparations for synchronisation, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have actively and successfully cooperated with the European Commission and have implemented a number of complex and, in some cases unique projects, ranging from electricity interconnections to synchronous compensators. I hope that this cooperation will continue to be a close collaboration in the fields of both energy security and the development of renewable energy,” said Lithuanian Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas. According to the Lithuanian Energy Minister, the agenda includes preparations for synchronisation and the protection of energy infrastructure, as well as cooperation on other topical issues.

“We are taking a historic step toward securing the independence and resilience of the Baltic electricity system. This milestone is comparable to joining the Schengen visa area – just as it brought freedom of movement for people, synchronization guarantees the secure flow of electricity between trusted partners. The transition has been meticulously planned, leaving no room for uncertainty. While technical risks are inherent in large systems, these are not unique to synchronization. We have carefully analyzed all potential scenarios and are fully prepared with clear and effective action plans. For residents, the transition will go unnoticed. Years of preparation ensure that the shift will be smooth and effortless. Lights will stay on, devices will function as usual, and people won’t need to adjust their routines during the synchronization process,” said Climate Minister of Estonia Yoko Alender.

“Synchronization of the electricity systems of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with the synchronous area of continental Europe will increase the energy security of our part of Europe. Uninterrupted electricity supply is crucial to the security of society and the functioning of the economy. Infrastructure resilience and protection has never been more important. The Russian Federation’s deliberate destruction of the electricity grid in Ukraine and its hybrid actions on the Baltic Sea area show how important a properly secured electricity system is for defence,” said Krzysztof Bolesta, State Secretary, Ministry of Climate and Environment Republic of Poland.

In difficult geopolitical circumstances, the vulnerability of society is higher. Now, as the expected synchronisation date approaches, the presence of misinformation is more noticeable. For every misleading piece of information, there is a beneficiary with the aim of creating public doubt and undermining public confidence in the state. Lithuania’s Ministry of Energy strongly urges the public to critically assess information and not to be swayed by emotionally charged statements or to share unverified news. For up-to-date information, please follow the websites of each responsible ministry and transmission system operators (AST, Elering, Litgrid) and their social media.

During the discussion, the leaders of the Baltic energy sector highlighted the need for closer cooperation at the regional as well as the EU level on extending the critical infrastructure resilience and protection. “We would like to stress the urgency of the matter and invite the European Commission to pursue additional EU funding to secure timely and sufficient enhancement of resilience and protection of critical energy infrastructure,” said the Baltic States leaders.  Once the Baltic States’ electricity system is synchronised with Europe, the Baltics need to be ready to protect their critical infrastructure, at any time.

In response to the Ministry’s request the Baltic and Polish TSOs have been developing a comprehensive package which includes immediate security measures required to increase the resilience and protection of the critical energy infrastructure and necessary investments for the implementation.

Source: Lithuanian Ministry of Energy