Electricity transmission system operators of Continental Europe adopted decisions on Baltic states synchronisation
29.11.2024.
The electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) of the Continental Europe Synchronous Area adopted decisions on Baltic states power systems two-day isolated operation test from February 8 to 9, 2025 followed by synchronisation with Continental Europe. The transmission system operators of Latvia (JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls"), Estonia ("Elering"), and Lithuania ("Litgrid") plan to join the Continental Europe Synchronous Area on February 9, 2025.
The decisions were made by the Regional Group Continental Europe (RG CE), a body of ENTSO-E, an association of European electricity TSOs. The Baltic TSOs will continue implementing a few remaining measures by the end of 2024, which will not affect the start of synchronisation.
“The decisions made by Continental Europe’s operators demonstrate the significant progress of the Baltic states in upgrading our power systems in terms of both infrastructure and control systems, as well as implementation of operational procedures and other solutions important for synchronisation. The Baltic states built their first interconnections with Europe 17 years ago, and now we are in the final phase to disconnect from Russia-controlled grid and join the Continental Europe Synchronous Area," says Rolands Irklis, the Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls".
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.
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.
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. 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. Investments for the implementation of the synchronisation project in Latvia reach 500 million EUR, with over 300 million EUR secured by EU structural funds. This includes financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and RePowerEU funding under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism.
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
|
