Baltic countries complete connection to European power grid

TALLINN. Feb 10 (Interfax) - The Baltic countries completed the synchronization of their electricity systems with Continental Europe's power grid on Sunday.

"The synchronization enables the Baltic States to manage their electricity grids in close cooperation with all other Continental European countries, with stable and reliable frequency control, significantly enhancing regional energy security," Estonian energy company Elering said.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia disconnected their energy systems from the BRELL (Belarus-Russia-Estonia-Latvia-Lithuania) grid led by Russia on Saturday and operated in isolation for more than a day. During that time, the Baltic states' energy system operated without connection to other frequency zones, with electricity supplied by local power plants and the Estonia-Finland and Lithuania-Sweden connections.

On Sunday, Baltic system operators checked voltage levels, tested automated voltage regulation systems' response to changes and began synchronizing their power grids with the frequency range of Continental Europe.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are the last members of the European Union to join the continental European power grid. They are now connected to the Continental Europe Synchronous Area through the Lithuania-Polish power line LitPol Link.

Baltic transmission system operators prepared for this project for more than 15 years. A total of 1.6 billion euros, of which 75% came from European co-financing, was invested in strengthening the Baltic countries' electrical power grid. The construction of infrastructure facilities in the Baltic states and Poland has been completed, with 1,400 kilometers of high-voltage lines and seven new substations built and more than 40 substations refurbished. In addition, six synchronous compensators have been built and three are under construction.