ENTSO-E Marks Successful Synchronization of Baltic States’ Electricity Grids with Continental Europe

ENTSO-E Marks Successful Synchronization of Baltic States’ Electricity Grids with Continental Europe

(IN BRIEF) On February 9, 2025, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania successfully synchronized their electricity systems with Continental Europe’s electricity grid, marking a historic achievement for the Baltic States and Europe. The synchronization improves energy security and independence for the region, which had previously depended on Russian and Belarussian grids for frequency control. The integration process was supported by the European Union, ENTSO-E, and several regional transmission system operators, including Elering, Augstsprieguma tīkls, and Litgrid, along with Poland’s PSE and Amprion in Continental Europe. The initiative strengthens the interconnectedness of Europe’s energy network, enhancing stability and resilience. The synchronization also severed energy links with Russia and Belarus permanently, reinforcing the region’s energy autonomy.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 10-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The synchronization of the Baltic States’ electricity systems with Continental Europe’s electricity grid represents a significant achievement in strengthening energy resilience and independence across the region. ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, has confirmed that on February 9, 2025, at 14:05 EET, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania completed their integration into the Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA), marking a historic milestone for both the Baltic States and the broader European energy landscape.

This breakthrough allows the Baltic States to now manage their electricity systems in harmony with other Continental European nations, ensuring stable frequency control and enhancing energy security for the entire region. Prior to this, the Baltic countries were reliant on Russian and Belarussian electricity systems for frequency management. The successful synchronization now integrates them into the broader Continental Europe grid, which serves over 400 million customers. Additionally, all interconnections with Russia and Belarus have been permanently severed, securing the region’s energy independence.

The process was the result of extensive collaboration between the Baltic transmission system operators (TSOs)—Elering (Estonia), Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST, Latvia), and Litgrid (Lithuania)—along with their counterparts in Continental Europe. Key to the success was Poland’s PSE, which played a vital role in coordinating and managing the project. The synchronization also benefited from extensive infrastructure upgrades across the Baltic States and Poland, which were essential for the integration process. Amprion, the Continental European Coordination Centre North, provided essential support in planning and overseeing the coordination efforts.

Zbyněk Boldiš, ENTSO-E President, hailed the achievement: “This synchronization marks a crucial step in enhancing the energy security and independence of the Baltic States. It is a testament to the strength of European cooperation and solidarity in building a more resilient and interconnected energy future.”

Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, celebrated the milestone: “The full integration of the Baltic States into the EU’s internal energy market, ahead of schedule, is a landmark for the EU as a whole. This synchronization, made possible by over EUR 1.2 billion in investment under the Connecting Europe Facility, is a vital contribution to strengthening the security of energy supply and independence across the entire EU. It is a powerful reminder of the benefits of our collective efforts to build a genuine Energy Union that delivers clean, secure, and affordable energy.”

The synchronization has been made possible by strong support from the European Union and ENTSO-E, which provided technical guidance, operational expertise, and European funding to facilitate the successful integration of the Baltic States into the Continental European grid.

Media Contact:

media@entsoe.eu

SOURCE: ENTSO-E