Baltic Nations Cut Energy Cord to Russia
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In a major geopolitical move,the Baltic states of Estonia,Latvia,and Lithuania are on the verge of entirely severing their energy ties with Russia. This long-planned disconnection from the Russian-controlled BRELL power grid, scheduled for February 8, 2025, marks a significant milestone in their quest for energy independence and strengthens their integration with the European Union’s energy system.
The decision, initially agreed upon in 2018 and reaffirmed in 2019 with the European Commission and Poland, represents years of strategic planning and substantial investment.The three nations declared energy independence from Moscow a strategic objective as far back as 2007. Sources confirm the commitment to this aspiring project.
While the disconnection is imminent,a recent incident involving damage to the EstLink 2 electricity cable connecting Estonia and Finland has raised concerns. gatis Junghāns, a board member of JSC “Augstsprieguma tīkls” (AST), the Latvian electricity transmission system operator, stated, “Due to the damage of the ‘EstLink 2’ electricity cable connecting Estonia and Finland, the isolated work test of the Baltic energy system could be postponed.” He clarified that the disconnection from BRELL remains on schedule for February 8th, with a planned two-day isolated operation test following promptly.However, a decision on rescheduling the test is pending.
Junghāns emphasized that even a postponed test wouldn’t affect the synchronization with the European grid. ”if the test is postponed, it will not affect the synchronization in any way – it will happen anyway,” he explained. He acknowledged that the EstLink 2 damage will impact electricity prices but not the overall supply.
Rolands Irklis,chairman of the board of AST,highlighted the project’s magnitude: “The synchronization of the Baltic states with the European energy system is the largest energy independence project in the history of Latvia and the Baltics. ‘There have been various othre projects, but this is the final one, when we become independent from the energy systems of Russia and Belarus,’ emphasized irklis.”
Irklis further noted that while the groundwork began 15 years ago, significant progress accelerated in 2019. He also confirmed that the Russian transmission system operator agreed to terminate the BRELL contract in October 2024, with no subsequent objections. The synchronization aims for energy independence, secure electricity supply, and full participation in the European single market.
The project’s infrastructure improvements span four countries – the Baltic states and Poland – with a total investment of approximately €2 billion, including €480 million in Latvia alone. this investment includes new power lines,upgrades to existing infrastructure,synchronous compensators,high-power batteries,and an automated generation control system.Irklis stated that while only four of nine planned synchronous compensators are currently operational in the Baltics, six will be ready by the synchronization date, with all nine completed by year’s end.
Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis offered a sobering viewpoint: “We must understand that we are living in a time of hybrid war. also, the parties involved are currently counting on the fact that a large amount of disinformation can be expected in the facts space.” This underscores the geopolitical meaning of the Baltic states’ move towards energy independence.
The triumphant completion of this project will have far-reaching implications for the region’s energy security and its relationship with Russia. The baltic states’ decisive action serves as a powerful example for other nations seeking to diversify their energy sources and reduce reliance on potentially unreliable or adversarial partners.
Baltic States’ Energy Grid Synchronization Nears Completion
the Baltic states are on the verge of a significant energy milestone: the synchronization of their electricity grid with the Continental European Network. This long-awaited integration,originally slated for a later date,has been expedited due to geopolitical concerns stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The project, representing a €482 million investment, is nearing its completion date.
Funding for this crucial infrastructure upgrade comes from a variety of sources. A substantial portion, 67% or €321 million, is dedicated to synchronization efforts. Congestion fee revenues contribute 19%, or €92 million, while the Latvian electricity transmission system operator, AST, provides €70 million (14%).
According to Irklis, a key figure in the project, ”14% of the total €482 million investments in synchronization projects are financed from the tariff, and the majority is already included in the existing tariff, which is valid until December 31, 2025.” He further clarified that the new tariff, effective January 1, 2026, will see a minimal increase: approximately 1% for the transmission tariff and 0.25% for AS “Sadales tīkls.”
With only 32 days remaining until the synchronization is complete, optimism is high. As Melnis stated at a recent press conference, “we are ready for synchronization and we are following the plan.”
The accelerated timeline is a direct response to the heightened energy security risks following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The disconnection from Russia’s BRELL energy system and integration into the European network will occur from February 7th to 9th, nearly a year ahead of schedule.
AST, the independent operator of the Latvian electricity transmission system, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. It’s also the majority shareholder (68.46%) of Conexus Baltic Grid, the unified natural gas transmission and storage system operator. AST is state-owned, and its bonds are listed on Nasdaq Riga.
Baltic Nations Sever Ties with Russian Energy Grid
The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are poised to achieve a monumental milestone: complete disconnection from the Russian-controlled BRELL power grid.This landmark move, scheduled for February 8th, 2025, marks a decisive step towards energy independence for the Baltic region and closer integration with the european Union’s energy network.
This interview explores the significance of this disconnection with Dr. Dace Melna, an energy policy expert from Riga, Latvia.
A Historic Shift
World-Today-news.com Senior Editor: Dr. Melna, the Baltic nations are on the verge of considerably altering their energy landscape. Could you elaborate on the importance of this disconnection from the Russian grid?
Dr. Dace Melna: this is a watershed moment for the Baltic states. For decades, they have been reliant on Russia for a significant portion of their energy needs. this dependence has created vulnerabilities and exposed them to political pressure from Moscow. By fully disconnecting from BRELL and syncing with the European grid, they are taking control of their energy security and affirming their commitment to european integration.
Overcoming Challenges
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: The project has not been without its challenges. Recently, the EstLink 2 cable connecting Estonia and Finland experienced damage. How might this incident impact the synchronization process?
dr. Dace Melna: While the EstLink 2 damage is unfortunate, it is indeed unlikely to derail the synchronization. Officials have assured that the disconnection from BRELL remains on schedule. While a planned test of the isolated Baltic energy system might be postponed, this will not affect the actual disconnection. It’s vital to remember that the estlink 2 incident, while disruptive, is a technical matter and doesn’t fundamentally change the strategic trajectory of this project.
A Long Time Coming
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: This disconnection has been years in the making.What were the key milestones leading up to this point?
Dr.Dace Melna: The groundwork for this shift began as early as 2007 when the baltic states declared energy independence from Moscow a strategic goal. Formal agreements with the European Commission and Poland were reached in 2018 and 2019. Since then, significant investments have been made in building new power lines, upgrading infrastructure, and installing synchronous compensators, which are essential for ensuring grid stability.
Investment and Future Outlook
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: What is the estimated cost of this project, and what are the long-term economic benefits for the Baltic states?
Dr. Dace Melna: The overall investment across the four countries involved – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland – is estimated to be around €2 billion. Latvia alone has committed €480 million. The long-term benefits are multifaceted. Beyond energy security, the synchronous connection with Europe will open up access to a wider electricity market, fostering competition, lowering prices, and boosting economic growth.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Dr. Melna, thank you for yoru insights into this significant geopolitical and energy development.
