Baltic states accelerate disconnection from the Russian energy system

On Tuesday, July 25, the energy ministers of the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - decided to accelerate the disconnection from the Russian energy system. A formal document with this decision will be signed in early August, the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy said.

According to the agreed agreement, synchronization with the power grid of continental Europe should take place no later than February 2025. Previously, this period was scheduled for the end of 2025.

"This decision was made taking into account the changing geopolitical and security situation in the region caused by the war in Ukraine," the Lithuanian Ministry said.

Currently, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are connected to the power grids of Russia and Belarus, forming the so-called BRELL electric ring, which allows the power systems of these countries to operate in parallel.

A few months ago, Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid successfully tested the country's power system in an offline mode. Consumers received electricity from the country's domestic power plants and imports from Poland and Sweden, but only Litgrid dispatchers maintained the system's balance and frequency. The testing was carried out in preparation for the synchronization of the Lithuanian power system with the pan-European one.

Before synchronization with the European grid, all Baltic countries must conduct another joint test of isolated operation, during which Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will form a single "island".