2024-10-31
Vilnius counts down the time until the Baltic States connect to the European electricity grid
On October 31, a countdown timer was unveiled near the Museum of Energy and Technology in Vilnius. It marks 100 days until February 8, 2025, when the Baltic electricity systems will operate independently for the first time and synchronise with the continental European electricity system following an isolated operation test.
"Today's launch of the symbolic timer marks 100 days until Lithuania's electricity grid is synchronised with Continental Europe, but of course it is not in days or months but in years that we can calculate the time during which the foundations of our energy independence have been laid - from the LNG terminal appropriately named "Independence", the complete abandonment of Russian resources, the intensive development of renewable energy, to the soon-to-be disconnection from the BRELL ring What we cannot calculate is the persistent efforts and consistent work of many people Not losing direction, not being afraid of the sometimes difficult decisions that are not always greeted with joy, because they may be too expensive, not "worth it", as if there could be anything more precious than independence and the dignity of not being pushed around by those for whom the energy sector is just another means of demonstrating their power, of blackmailing and pressuring In a hundred days' time, we will finalise one of the most important tasks set by this Government, but energy independence, just like national independence, is not an achievement that should not be protected and further strengthened Thank you to all those who have done so so far, and who continue to do so today and in the future," said Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė
Lithuania has come a long and difficult way in achieving energy independence Synchronisation with continental European electricity grids is the final step towards Lithuania's energy freedom.
"This is undoubtedly one of the most important, if not the most important event in the history of independent Lithuanian energy. Disconnecting from BRELL and connecting to the European electricity grid is not just a political act. It is an extremely important step in terms of national security.
We will also be able to independently manage the frequency of the electricity system, participate more actively in the EU's common electricity market and the installed infrastructure will help to integrate more electricity generation from renewable sources into the Lithuanian system," said Dainius Kreivys, Lithuania’s Minister of Energy.
Historically, Lithuania's electricity system has been synchronous with the IPS/UPS system connecting Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and other countries, while the frequency of the Baltic electricity system is centrally managed and coordinated by the dispatching centre in Moscow. The Baltic countries will permanently leave the BRELL ring early next year and connect to the continental European electricity grid.
"This is an important moment marking the end of a significant period of international cooperation. After 100 days, 15 years of planning and the most important infrastructure improvements will conclude. In February, the Baltic states, upon connecting to the European electricity grid, will become truly independent in terms of electricity supply. We are saying goodbye forever to the last living artifact of the Soviet era - the BRELL electricity grid. We are doing this not because it is easy, but because it must be done for our collective energy security. Although our approaches to developing the renewable energy sector often differ, the work on connecting to the European grid has been harmonious and consistent. The countdown clock reminds us to look back at what we have accomplished and precisely mark the beginning of a new era. When the clock reaches zero, we will be detached from BRELL, towards integration to European energy grid. Thank you all for your work!" said Kaspars Melnis, Latvia’s Minister of Climate and Energy.
The synchronization of the Baltic countries with the continental European grid will occur through the extension of the existing LitPol Link between Lithuania and Poland. In preparation, the transmission grids of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland are being reinforced. Synchronous condensers are being installed, and the systems are being prepared for disconnection from the IPS/UPS system and for independent frequency control.
"Today, we reaffirm our unity and celebrate the final milestones on the road to more secure future for the regional energy system. The solidarity shown by our neighbors in regional relations is invaluable. We appreciate the work of our transmission system operators Litgrid, Elering and AST. The excellent cooperation in finding solutions and moving towards a robust electricity system that will allow for a faster synchronisation with the Continental European synchroneous area, ensuring energy security and independence for our region. We are also grateful to Poland for providing the crucial connection to the European grid, the European Commission for its constant support in this process and for ensuring the maximum possible financing from EU funds, and to ENTSO-E for its responsible management of the connection agreement.", said Jaanus Uiga, the Estonian Deputy Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources.
A specially created video with an integrated timer will be shown to Vilnius residents and visitors throughout the 100 days leading up to the disconnection from BRELL and the synchronisation with Continental Europe grid.
