2025-11-14
Baltic synchronisation achieved global recognition by winning PMI’s Project of the Year award
The Baltic countries’ synchronisation with continental Europe won the prestigious Project of the Year award at the Project Management Institute (PMI) awards ceremony held in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the largest and most widely renowned associations of project management professionals recognized the successful implementation of this complex project ahead of schedule.
“This global recognition once again confirms that the synchronization of the Baltic countries with the continental European electricity networks is a strategic achievement for our energy independence and a success story in global project management. It is the result of teamwork, professionalism, unity, and determination on the part of all partners. We are proud that Lithuania, together with its neighbours, has proven that it can implement the most complex energy infrastructure projects ahead of schedule and set an example for other countries,” says Lithuania’s Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.
“The Baltic synchronisation project has received global recognition for its project management excellence, which is a great achievement for Lithuania, the other Baltic countries and Poland. The Baltic synchronisation project is not only an important step towards Lithuania's energy independence and security, but also an example of how focused project management can yield significant results for society. Together with our partners, we are joining the ranks of major international companies and US and Canadian government agencies that have won these awards in recent years,” says Rokas Masiulis, CEO of Litgrid.
According to PMI, the synchronisation of the Baltic countries is an extraordinary achievement that has brought together thousands of professionals from four countries, who have successfully ensured the region's energy independence and security.
Founded in 1969, PMI is a US-based non-profit organization with 700,000 members and 250 chapters worldwide. PMI develops globally recognized project management standards and certifications for project management professionals.
According to Mindaugas Ivanavičius, Head of the Synchronisation Program Implementation Centre at Litgrid, synchronisation is a megaproject whose complexity is primarily determined by its scale: four countries, dozens of different types of projects, involving even more contractors and subcontractors.
“During the project, we have dealt with not only the usual challenges of planning, financing, procurement, and implementation, but also a global pandemic, the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine, and disruptions in the global supply chain. While implementing infrastructure projects, we also faced particularly rapid price increases and their stabilization. In all cases, we strive not only to implement projects on time, but also to achieve results ahead of schedule, while ensuring maximum implementation quality and efficient use of funds. We overcome challenges by actively managing the risks and problems that arise in projects, considering possible scenarios, and looking for non-standard solutions. The success of the synchronisation was ensured by the excellent joint work of the team and numerous project managers, engineers and other experts and specialists in various fields,” says M. Ivanavičius.
Litgrid implemented the synchronisation of the Baltic countries together with the Latvian, Estonian, and Polish electricity transmission system operators Augstsprieguma tīkls, Elering, and Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne. The synchronisation has been strongly supported by the European Union and ENTSO-E, the association of European electricity TSOs. Their contributions included technical guidance, operational and legal expertise. The synchronisation project is implemented with the co-financing of the European Union.
On February 8 this year, the Baltic countries disconnected from the Russian-controlled IPS/UPS electricity system, and on February 9, they successfully connected their electricity systems to the synchronous area of continental Europe. Synchronization with the continent allows the Baltic countries to manage their electricity systems in close cooperation with other continental European countries, ensuring stable and reliable frequency regulation, thereby strengthening energy independence and increasing energy security throughout the region. The Baltic countries have joined the continental European network, which serves more than 400 million consumers in 26 countries.
