Electricity transmission system operators of Continental Europe adopted decisions on Baltic states synchronisation

Electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) of the Continental Europe Synchronous Area adopted decisions on Baltic states power systems isolated operation test and synchronisation with Continental Europe. Elering, Augstsprieguma tīkls and Litgrid, the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian TSOs plan to join Continental Europe Synchronous Area in February 2025.

The decisions were made by Regional Group Continental Europe (RG CE), a body of ENTSO-E, an association of European electricity TSOs. The RG CE approved the Baltic states power systems island operation test programme and the start of trial synchronous operation with Continental Europe on 9th of February, 2025.

The Baltic TSOs will continue implementing some remaining measures by the end of 2024.

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.