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New Energy World™
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Baltic states synchronise electricity grid with Europe
5/2/2025
8 min read
Feature
This week, the energy systems of the Baltic States will disconnect from Russia’s energy system and join the energy system of continental Europe. This project, the largest energy independence and regional security project in recent decades, is jointly being implemented by the Baltic power transmission system operators Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST) of Latvia, Litgrid of Lithuania and Elering of Estonia, writes New Energy World Senior Editor Will Dalrymple.
Soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia and Estonia had ceased trading electricity with Russia, and Lithuania reduced its electricity imports. Synchronisation with continental Europe is the final step to achieving the countries’ independence in terms of electricity supply.
At present, the energy systems of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are still operating within the IPS/UPS (isolated power supply/uninterruptible power supply) system, where system frequency is controlled by Russia.
Operating synchronously with the energy system of continental Europe will provide the energy systems of the Baltic States with independent and secure system frequency control and increased energy supply security, while fostering the development of Europe’s internal energy market, creating new business opportunities. In addition, investments made within the framework of the project in equipment and technologies are one of the prerequisites for the transmission grid to be able to securely connect major sources of renewable energy and fulfil the objectives of the European Green Deal.