Estonia to disconnect from the Russian-run electricity network on Saturday

Estonia and the other Baltic States will disconnect from the Russian-run electricity network on Saturday and connect to the Continental European Synchronous Area on Sunday. The main goal of connecting to the European electricity system is to make our electricity system stronger and ensure energy independence and security.

Disconnection from the Russian-run network will take place on Saturday morning. It starts in Lithuania and ends in Estonia. The Baltic States will then undergo a joint island mode test over the weekend, in the course of which frequency and voltage tests will be carried out. The aim of the tests is to assess the procedural and technical measures of the Baltic States for maintaining frequency and their ability to cope independently. On Sunday afternoon, the Baltic States will be connected to the European synchronous area.

“It is a unique undertaking in the recent history of energy in terms of its scale and complexity. The preparations are complete, and we are ready for desynchronisation,” assures Kalle Kilk, head of Elering. “Although major technical changes always involve certain risks, we have analysed them thoroughly and developed appropriate action plans. With a planned transition, the average electricity consumer should not notice any change.”

“What cannot be predicted one hundred per cent, however, is a situation where energy is used as a weapon. So, what is dangerous is not so much disconnecting from Russia, because we have been preparing for this for years, but continuing to be connected to the Russia electricity system,” Kilk explained.

To mitigate risks, a strong cooperation network with Latvian and Lithuanian system operators and close ties with Continental European network operators who support the Baltic States in this important transition have been established. Protecting the energy infrastructure has become one of the priorities in Estonia’s internal security and national defence, and we can rely on good cooperation with our northern and southern neighbours as well as our allies.

“However, it is sensible for every household, institution providing vital services, and company to be prepared for possible crisis situations at any time, not just during the synchronisation weekend,” Kilk adds.

A total of 1.6 billion euros have been invested the Baltic States to strengthen the electricity system, 75 per cent of which has come from European co-financing. The infrastructure is complete in the Baltic States and Poland – 1,400 km of high-voltage lines and seven new substations have been built and more than 40 substations have been reconstructed, plus six synchronous compensators have been built and three are currently under construction. Significant work has also been done on IT systems, which act as the eyes and ears of the electricity network.

The newly launched market for frequency restoration reserves has proven to be successful. Baltic system operators have acquired various types of up-regulation and down-regulation reserves in the capacity of nearly 1,300 MW, and the prices of reserves have been as expected. The joint procurement of reserves by the Baltic States is unique in Europe and helps consumers to save costs.

Elering recommends people to consume electricity over the weekend as usual, because sudden changes in consumption affect the electricity frequency. “We ensure security of supply even in a situation where our connections are interrupted or a power plant shuts down. Thanks to favourable weather conditions, the amount of electricity generation reserves is sufficient,” Kilk assures.