Brussels, 7 February 2ß25
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen and Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, will be in Lithuania over the weekend in view of the planned synchronisation of the Baltic countries with the European continental grid.
This is a flagship EU-backed infrastructure project that will allow the three EU Member States to move away from energy dependence on Russia and benefit fully from the European common energy system.
On Sunday (9 February), President von der Leyen will deliver a statement to the press alongside the Presidents of Lithuania, Poland, Estonia and Latvia at around 13:00 CET. She will then participate in the Baltic Energy Independence Day Celebration event at around 17.30 CET. Both events will be livestreamed on EbS. In the course of the day, President von der Leyen will also hold bilateral meetings with the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda, as well as Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
Before joining the Celebration event, on Sunday Commissioners Jørgensen and Kubilius will participate in a joint high-level meeting with the Energy and Climate Ministers of the Baltic States and Poland in Vilnius, Lithuania, to discuss the protection of critical energy infrastructure as well as the next steps following the synchronisation of the Baltic States to ensure energy security in the region. The meeting will be followed by a press conference as well as a visit at an energy storage park. In the evening, Commissioner Jørgensen will deliver a keynote speech. Livestream of the events will be available on EbS+.
Before going to Lithuania, on Saturday, Commissioner Jørgensen will be in Tallinn to meet with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, and visit together with him and the CEO of the Estonian transmission system operator (Elering) a transmission control centre. At the end of the visit, they will hold a joint press point that you can follow on EbS.
The Baltics join the European grid – comments from the electricity industry
Tomorrow the Baltic states will officially leave the Russian-led integrated power system, joined during the Soviet rule under the BRELL agreement, to synchronise with the European grid (UCTE).
“Eurelectric welcomes the Baltics synchronisation to the European electricity grid. It represents another milestone for energy solidarity and will strengthen the region’s energy security and support the implementation of the Green Deal by ensuring secure, clean and affordable power across borders. We have already seen from Ukraine, the security benefits of being integrated in European energy systems and we look forward to enlarging those benefits to the Baltic region.” – said Eurelectric’s Policy Director Cillian O’Donoghue.
Also known as Continental Synchronous area, UCTE is the second largest synchronous electrical grid in the world. It supplies over 400 million customers in 24 countries including most EU countries – and as of March 2022 – Ukraine and Moldova. Managing this grid is the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E).
“We should be proud that we have the world’s largest interconnected electricity market that prioritises the most efficient power source. We coordinate hundreds of kilometres of interconnected networks delivering power across borders in times of need, and especially during crises. Diversity is a strength, let’s put it to use.” – added O’Donoghue.
The Baltics’ integration into the EU electricity grid has been a priority for the European Commission (EC) for many years, receiving substantial EU funding. This successful integration story is even more remarkable if we consider the complexities synchronising to the power grid entails.
“When the work first began, some questioned the necessity of such a massive undertaking, but today we can all see it was the right decision. More than €1.6 billion has been invested to ensure our transmission grids are up to the task. New 330 kilowatt (kV) powerlines have been built together with batteries and synchronous condensers to make sure the Baltic grids can maintain system balance even during challenging times. In addition to the new infrastructure, we also have frequency markets that are generating new sources of revenue and driving innovation in the energy sector – largely thanks to this synchronisation project.” – explained Mihkel Härm, CEO at Elektrilevi, Estonia’s largest distribution system operator (DSO).
Beyond ensuring security of supply, joining the European grid will also provide more competitive energy prices to consumers.
“Local energy production, combined with imports from Nordic and Central European markets, will maintain stability. Integration with Europe’s energy market will stabilise prices, as the Baltic States will gain access to more competitive and diverse electricity sources, including renewables.” – confirmed Darius Maikštėnas CEO of Lithuanian utility Ignitis Group.
Looking at the big picture, synchronising grids represents a crucial step in the EU integration process at times when external actors are threatening the block’s security.
“The leading companies of the Baltic energy sector have systematically demonstrated professionalism, perseverance and determination to renew and modernise their generation fleet, attract EU funding to strengthen the transmission system and implement this ambitious project. This is the moment when we become part of a united Europe again, taking responsibility for our own systems.” – concluded Mārtiņš Čakste – CEO at Latvian utility Latvenergo AS.
With energy security topping the agenda of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council, member states should strive to stay united even in their power transmission and distribution systems. The Baltics case showcases how grid synchronisation can offer a way out from depending on unreliable trade partners.
Note
Eurelectric represents the interests of the European electricity industry. We seek to contribute to the competitiveness of our industry, provide effective representation in public affairs and promote the role of electricity in the advancement of society.
Source – Eurelectric (by email)