Litgrid, AST, and Elering, the operators of the electricity transmission systems in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, have taken a significant step towards enhancing their energy security and independence. The three Baltic countries have signed an agreement to synchronize their electricity transmission systems with the continental European grid by February 2025. This move will allow them to disconnect from the Russian-controlled system, reducing dependency and strengthening ties with the European energy market.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Baltic countries will jointly withdraw from the BRELL contract conducted in the past with Russian and Belarusian operators. This withdrawal is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2024, six months ahead of the synchronization timeline.
The operators have committed to completing the necessary works by the agreed date. These works include the installation of the first synchronous condensers, control systems, and the reconstruction of the third transmission line between Estonia and Latvia. Additionally, several other projects related to synchronization will be implemented by Baltic TSOs until the end of 2025 or beyond.
The agreement is pending final endorsement by the prime ministers of the three Baltic countries, signaling their support for this crucial step towards energy independence.
In a recent development, the operators of the Baltic countries’ electricity transmission systems, along with the Gdansk branch of the Polish Energy Institute, have conducted studies exploring the possibility of achieving synchronization earlier than the original deadline of the end of 2025.
According to the study results, the electricity transmission systems of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are expected to be fully prepared for safe disconnection from the Russian-controlled system and synchronous connection to the continental European grid by the beginning of 2025.
The synchronization of the Baltic countries‘ electricity transmission systems with the continental European grid by February 2025 marks a significant step towards achieving energy independence from Russia. This move will not only enhance the region‘s energy security but also foster the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.
