Baltic countries agree to work on joint energy center project

RIGA - The Baltic States have agreed to work on a joint energy center project, the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) informed LETA.

Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys, Latvian Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis (Greens/Farmers) and Estonian Deputy Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources Jaanus Uiga gathered in Vilnius on Thursday to mark the 100-day countdown to the Baltic countries' synchronization with the continental European electricity grid, as well as to announce plans to evaluate the creation of a Baltic energy center.

In the future, a joint Baltic study will be launched to assess the potential for a Baltic energy hub - a central point that would integrate renewable energy from both onshore and offshore sources, while providing stable transmission capacity for Central Europe.

With a Baltic energy hub capable of generating up to seven times more renewable electricity than the region's consumption needs, it could provide the Baltic States with a significant contribution to Europe's decarbonization targets, the KEM said.

In addition to boosting regional energy independence, the Baltic energy hub would facilitate green energy production, accelerate exports and attract energy-intensive industries seeking competitively priced green energy.

The project also has the potential to produce new energy products, such as green hydrogen and its derivatives, on a large scale and at affordable prices.

The energy hub could stimulate further growth in renewable energy, attract industries looking for sustainable energy solutions, and bring economic benefits to the whole region, according to Kreivys.

At the same time, Melnis stressed that the Baltic States have a huge potential to produce green energy, providing lower prices for residents and businesses, ensuring the region's competitiveness and becoming a stable and sustainable energy export partner for Europe.

As reported, the electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) of the Baltic states - Latvia's Augstsprieguma Tikls (AST), Estonia's Elering and Lithuania's Litgrid - have notified Russian and Belarusian operators on the non-extension of the BRELL agreement and exit from the Russia-controlled power grid in February.

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

On February 8, 2025, the Baltic TSOs will disconnect Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian electricity systems from the Russia-controlled electricity system IPS/UPS and will start a joint isolated operation test. The synchronization of the Baltic electricity systems with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area is planned on February 9, 2025.

Until now, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania operate in the IPS/UPS system, in which the electricity frequency is centrally controlled by Russia. Synchronization 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.