Baltic countries successfully connected to continental European electricity grids
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have fulfilled the strategic goal of synchronisation - today, the Baltic States have successfully connected to the continental European grids, which will significantly strengthen the countries' energy independence, security and closer interoperability in the EU electricity market.
At an event in Vilnius dedicated to this achievement, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas highlighted the tremendous collaborative work of the Baltic institutions and electricity system operators, the crucial contribution of Poland and the support of the European Union.
'The fact that all three Baltic States are synchronizing with continental Europe today shows not only our common goals, but also the ability to achieve them together. This would not have been possible without the special role played by Poland and the support of the EU, so this day is also about European solidarity and unity. It is thanks to solidarity and unity that the most ambitious, difficult but necessary tasks become a reality - let us remember this as we tackle every other challenge we share today.
Almost two decades have passed since synchronization was enshrined as a strategic objective in 2007. It has not been an easy road, with more than one Government, many institutions, and a large number of people contributing during these years. The result of their dedicated work is this historically significant event. I sincerely congratulate and thank all those who have contributed', said the Prime Minister of Lithuania Gintautas Paluckas.
Before connecting to the continental European grid, which serves more than 400 million customers on the continent, the Baltic countries disconnected from the Russian-controlled IPS/UPS system on Saturday, 8 February, and have been operating for some time as an island.
The synchronisation allows the Baltic States to manage their electricity systems in close cooperation with other continental European countries, ensuring stable and reliable frequency regulation, increased resilience and energy security.
Key to the implementation of synchronisation has been the extensive installation and upgrading of infrastructure in the Baltic States and Poland, which has become a direct physical link between the Baltic States and the continental European grid.
The total investment in the Baltic countries and Poland was €1.6 billion, of which €1.2 billion came from the European Union.