This weekend, the Baltic States will disconnect from Russia’s interconnected energy system, the so-called BRELL grid, and connect to the European grid, as LETA was told by the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM).
The synchronization project began in the Baltic States in 2009, initially envisaging synchronization at the beginning of 2026, however, taking into account that since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the risks to the Baltic energy system have also increased, the Baltic States, Poland and the European Commission agreed to join already in February 2025.
The technical switching task will be carried out by the Baltic electricity system operators – Latvian “Augstsprieguma tīkls”, Lithuanian “Litgrid” and Estonian “Elering”.
Currently, Latvia has one electricity grid connection with Russia, Estonia has three connections, while Lithuania has three connections with Belarus and two with Russia in Kaliningrad.
On Saturday, the 8th of February, Baltic States, starting from the south, will disconnect from the Russian grid.
From Saturday, the 8th of February to Sunday, the 9th of February, the Baltic States will be working in an isolated electricity system around the clock and carry out tests of the isolated operation of the electricity transmission system. In turn, on Sunday, the 9th of February, through the Lithuanian-Polish connection, the Baltic States will connect to the continental European single electricity grid.
KEM representatives also stress that such an isolated performance test is not exceptional and has happened in the past.
Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis (ZZS) emphasized that as a result of the synchronization,
the security of energy supply will be increased and the independence of the Baltic region will be strengthened, as well as the overall ability of the networks to connect renewable energy projects to ensure a lower final price of electricity for consumers.
The representatives of KEM point out that in order to strengthen the security and stability of the infrastructure during the transition phase of this event, Latvia is intensifying its monitoring of the Baltic energy infrastructure. The National Armed Forces (NBS) provide support to both the State Police and holders of critical infrastructure facilities for ensuring security measures.
The ministry also states that the capacity of the natural gas supply system is sufficient to cover the increased demand for natural gas. The Baltic States have sufficient local electricity generation capacity and other external connections, such as Estlink 1, NordBalt, LitPolink. The forecast confirms the adequacy of capacities both in Latvia and in the Baltics as a whole. Also, the damage to Estlink 2 on the 25th of December, 2024 does not pose risks to the security of energy supply.
No power outage is expected upon connecting to the European electricity grid. However, at the same time, there are potential risks of unplanned intervention due to disconnection from the Russian-controlled power grid, adds the ministry.
The ministry notes that synchronisation will contribute to better connectivity and market integration of the European Union (EU) transmission system, allowing the Baltic electricity systems to operate in accordance with common and transparent European rules, benefiting all consumers.
KEM also mentioned that the Baltic States have not purchased electricity from Russia and Belarus since 2022, and synchronization will have no direct impact on security of supply, and the impact on the market price will be minimal.
The ministry emphasized that synchronization is an important event, which is devoted to thorough, systematic preparation on several levels – physical infrastructure readiness, the development of IT systems of transmission operators, regional cooperation and coordinated action of stakeholders at the national level.
KEM informative material for households indicates that no power outage is expected when connecting to the European electricity grid, while temporary technical incidents cannot be ruled out even under ideal conditions.
Synchronization is related to a technically complex process, so residents are encouraged to prepare, as they do if adverse weather conditions are forecast: charge mobile phones, computer and other devices, as well as disconnect devices that are not used on a daily basis from sockets.
Also, the informative material indicate that it is recommended to make sure dwellings that are only used periodically are properly prepared. If there is a suspicion that there was a power failure, residents should remember to inspect the property in order to prevent the risk of water pipeline rupture in case of low temperatures.
KEM emphasized the need to critically evaluate loud and emotional statements and called for the use of reliable sources of information – KEM’s website “kem.gov.lv” and AS “Augstsprieguma tīkls” website “ast.lv”.
In turn, with regard to legal entities, KEM invites companies, depending on the specifics of their activities, to assess the necessary and desirable measures. If possible, turn off electrical appliances that will not be used on the dates specified. Companies that have installed electrical equipment that is sensitive to current fluctuations, sittings, climbs are invited to individually assess the need and possibility of disrupting the operation of electrical equipment during the weekend.
KEM also reminds that if there is a technical error in the electricity transmission network made by one of the Baltic transmission system operators – losses for the damage will be covered by the transmission operator.