Baltic TSOs have sent a notice on decoupling from Russia-controlled electricity system in February 2025
16.07.2023.
Elering, AST, and Litgrid, electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) of the Baltic states, have notified Russian and Belarusian operators on the non-extension of the BRELL agreement, which there is bound to expire in February of 2025. At that time, the three Baltic states will decouple from Russian and Belarusian grids to join the Continental Europe Synchronous Area.
The TSOs of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have sent a notice of non-extension of the agreement on parallel energy system operation – so called BRELL agreement, which has been defining the terms of operation of the Baltic countries in the Russia-controlled electricity system IPS/UPS.
According to the notice, signed by the leaders of the three TSOs today in Riga, the agreement will expire on the 7th of February, 2025. On the 8th of February, the Baltic TSOs will disconnect Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian electricity systems from IPS / UPS and will start a joint isolated operation test.
The synchronisation of the Baltic electricity systems with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area is planned on the 9th of February, 2025.
"The Baltic electricity market has adapted and operates without electricity import from Russia. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has completely stopped electricity import and export from Russia and Belarus, and synchronisation with Continental Europe is the last step to achieve country's independence in the field of electricity supply. As a result of the close cooperation and efforts of Baltic, Polish and Continental European operators, the synchronisation project is in its final phase, and the announcement of the non-renewal of the BRELL contract is a confirmation of the readiness of the Baltic states," says Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Board of Latvian transmission system operator JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls".
The electricity systems of the three Baltic states are already prepared for emergency synchronisation at any moment, if that becomes necessary. LitPol Link interconnection, through which the synchronous operation between Lithuania and Poland will be established, was expanded to support such operation in 2021. Many infrastructure projects strengthening the grids of the Baltic countries and Poland have already been commissioned, and the system control equipment and procedures are in place. In Latvia, all reinforcements of the 330 kV power grid have been completed, including the restoration of two Latvian-Estonian interconnections.
Currently, the three TSOs are finishing their projects that will allow for more secure and efficient synchronisation and operation after synchronization. These projects include synchronous condensers in Lithuania and Latvia, reconstruction of 330 kV line Viru -Tsirguliina in Estonia, a high-power batteries in Latvia, and grid management systems that will streamline the control and balancing of the systems after joining the Continental Europe Synchronous Area.
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. It will also foster the development of renewable energy in the Baltic states and Poland, as newly installed power lines, substations and synchronous condensers will increase the ability of transmission grids to support higher share of renewable sources in overall electricity generation.
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. In Latvia, the financing from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism Structural Funds (RePowerEU) has also been attracted for the implementation of synchronisation projects, the total EU co-financing exceeding 300 million. EUR.
About JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls"
AST, the Latvian electrical power transmission system operator, ensures uninterrupted and secure transmission of electricity throughout Latvia. Its vision is to become the leading transmission system operator in the region through the efficient and successful implementation of development-oriented changes. AST has 68.46% shareholding in the capital of the operator of the natural gas transmission and storage system AS “Conexus Baltic Grid”.
Further information:
Līva Jēgere
Head of Communications
Ph: +371 26151344
Email: liva.jegere@ast.lv
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