D. Jakutavičė: We are witnesses to a historical event

On February 8, at around 9 AM, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia disconnected from the Russian electricity system (IPS/UPS).

After a joint, approximately 24-hour isolated operation test, the Baltic states will not return to the old system – they have begun operating synchronously with the continental European grid.

In this way, the electricity transmission system operators of the Baltic states – Lithuania’s Litgrid, Latvia’s AST (Augstsprieguma tīkls), and Estonia’s Elering – initiated a joint isolated operation test.

Dalia Jakutavičė, President of the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation, which also represents energy workers, commented on this historic moment for Lithuania’s energy sector:

“Today, we witness a historic event – Lithuania has joined the continental European electricity grid, turning decisively towards the West. Bravo to everyone who worked on this project: first and foremost, engineers, installers, and dispatch control teams, as well as politicians for their determination, and the people of Europe for their financial support in making this project a reality! Many contributed to making this day possible. Undoubtedly, a secure energy system means a secure country.”

It is important to note that the Baltic synchronization involves more than 40 projects in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, including the construction of electricity transmission lines and substations, the installation of synchronous compensators, and the implementation of control systems.

For a smooth transition to the continental European electricity system, Lithuania has already deployed synchronous compensators in Telšiai and Alytus, with a third compensator in Neris planned to be launched in the spring. Latvia and Estonia have also installed three compensators each.

Additionally, a new 700 MW interconnection with Poland, “Harmony Link”, is planned to be completed by 2030, further integrating the Baltic and Western European electricity markets.

Although Lithuania has not purchased electricity from Russia since 2022, the frequency of the Baltic electricity systems was centrally controlled from Moscow until desynchronization from BRELL. Now, by disconnecting from the Russian system, the Baltic states can manage their energy systems independently, enhancing regional energy security and allowing each country to take full responsibility for its electricity grid.

The entire synchronization process cost approximately €1.6 billion, with €1.2 billion (75% of the total cost) covered by the European Union (EU).