2024-11-27
Baltic electricity transmission system operators agreed on partnership in system operations after synchronisation
Litgrid, Augstsprieguma tīkls and Elering, the Baltic states electricity transmission system operators, have signed the Baltic system operation region operational agreement, which describes the principles of cooperation after joining Continental Europe Synchronous Area.
The agreement will enter into force from the moment of synchronisation of Baltic power systems with Continental Europe, which is planned on 9 February 2025.
“As we are closely working together to carry out Baltic synchronisation, we intend to continue our strong partnership in system operations, which helps us all to ensure system stability and reliability. The operational agreement describes the principles for our cooperation and complements other regulations and agreements” says Donatas Matelionis, Head of Power System Operations Department at Litgrid.
The Baltic system operation region operational agreement establishes the rights and obligations of the Baltic states transmission system operators with respect to the synchronous operation of Baltic power systems with Continental Europe Synchronous Area.
The agreement was signed to conduct and promote the cooperation between transmission system operators with the aim of ensuring a reliable operation, optimal management and technical development of the Baltic states power systems. It will create a legal framework for agreeing on specific operational issues relevant for the Baltic states transmission system operators that are not regulated directly through the Network Codes and Synchronous Area Framework Agreement.
Baltic system operation region is one of five system operation regions according to ACER. The others are Nordic, Central Europe, Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Europe. System operation regions are established in accordance with Article 36 of the Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the internal market for electricity.
Until now, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania operate in the IPS/UPS system, in which the electricity frequency is centrally controlled by Russia. Synchronisation with Continental Europe Synchronous Area will allow for independent, stable and reliable frequency control of the Baltic states electricity grids and will increase energy security in the region.
Synchronisation will enable better EU transmission system interconnectivity and market integration, allowing Baltic electricity systems to operate under common and transparent European rules to the benefit of all the consumers.
Synchronisation is supported by the EU with combined CEF Energy funding of around €1.2 billion, which is expected to provide up to 75% of project eligible costs.
