Integration and synchronisation of the Baltic States’ electricity system with the European networks

Report:
Year registered: 2018
Type:
Energy
Status:Substantial Progress
3SI countries proposing the project:

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia

Participating 3SI countries:

Poland

Partner countries:

* not part of the 3Seas Initiative
Main objectives:
  • To achieve fully-fledged integration of the three Baltic States electricity markets with the European Continental Network based on synchronous operation of electricity systems;
  • to ensure security of electricity supply to the region;
  • to finalize the idea of a fully integrated European energy market.
Short description:
  • Three Baltic States (BS) are still a part of IPS/UPS (Belarus, Russia, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Latvia and Republic of Lithuania (BRELL) electricity system), managed from Russia.
  • Baltic States’ synchronization with continental Europe will: a) remove third country impact; b) foster market integration in the region; c) ensure fully-fledged integration of the Baltic States network into the reliable and modern EU power network. Benefits from fully integrating Baltic States into the Continental Europe would not only ensure security of supply to the region, but will also finalize the idea of a fully integrated European energy market.
Calendar of implementation:
  • Construction
Budget:

On 19 March 2019, a financing agreement for synchronization projects with continental Europe was signed in Brussels, according to which the European Commission allocated 324 million EUR from the CEF measure to the TSOs of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. 125.2 million EUR allocated to Lithuania for construction of the Klaipėda-Bitėnai, Bitėnai-Jurbarkas lines, the Mūša switchyard and Kruonis PSHP - Jurbarkas line, etc.

On 2 October 2020, the Coordinating Committee of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) of the EU Infrastructure Networks provided the maximum possible support (75%) for the synchronization projects of the Baltic States with the networks of continental Europe and allocated 720 million EUR. The major part of the funds was provided for the Lithuanian-Polish maritime electricity connection Harmony Link - 493 million EUR and 166.5 million. EUR allocated for the installation of synchronous compensators in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The rest is dedicated to the modernization and development of Polish networks required for the integration of the Harmony Link connection.

Totally, European Commission provided 1.044 billion. EUR for the synchronization projects of the Baltic States with the networks of continental Europe.

1.625B64%
secured
Financing sources:
CEF
Other sources