Baltic TSOs have sent a notice on decoupling from Russia-controlled electricity system in February 2025

Elering, AST, and Litgrid, electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) of the Baltic states, have notified Russian and Belarusian operators on the non-extension of the BRELL agreement, which is bound to expire in February of 2025. At that time, the three Baltic states will decouple from Russian and Belarusian grids to join the Continental Europe Synchronous Area.

The TSOs of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have sent a notice of non-extension of the agreement on parallel energy system operation – so called BRELL agreement, which has been defining the terms of operation of the Baltic countries in the Russia-controlled electricity system IPS/UPS.

According to the notice, signed by the leaders of the three TSOs today in Riga, the agreement will expire on the 7th of February, 2025. 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.

According to Kalle Kilk, Chairman of the Board of Elering, the electricity systems of the three Baltic states are already prepared for emergency synchronisation at any moment, if that becomes necessary. “In Estonia, during the last five years, most of the objects of the electricity network which ensure the stability and reliability of the electricity system, including three synchronous condensers, have been completed. The last of the major constructions is the reconstruction of the Viru-Tsirguliina high-voltage power line, which is 90 percent complete and will be fully operational again by winter," Kilk said.

Similar to Estonia, work is also underway in Latvia and Lithuania for successful synchronization. In addition to the construction works, the electrical- and IT-systems and the control systems of the existing cross-border direct current connections will be updated.

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.

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. It will also foster the development of renewable energy in the Baltic states and Poland, as newly installed power lines, substations and synchronous condensers will increase the ability of transmission grids to support higher share of renewable sources in overall electricity generation.

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.