Taking the Final Step Toward the Baltic States’ Energy Independence

8 February 2025 will be a landmark day in the history of modern Lithuanian energy. On that day, the Baltic States will disconnect from the Russia-controlled power system and begin a joint isolated operation test, after which they will synchronise with the Continental European power grid.

Until now, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have operated within the IPS/UPS system alongside Russia and Belarus, where the electricity frequency is centrally regulated by Russia. Synchronisation – connecting to Continental Europe – will ensure independent, stable, and reliable management of the Baltic States' electricity systems and contribute to the energy security of the entire region.

Synchronisation will enhance the integration of European electricity systems and markets, enabling the Baltic States' electricity systems to operate under common and transparent European regulations. It will also promote the development of renewable energy in the Baltic States and Poland: through synchronisation, newly constructed and upgraded power lines, substations, and synchronous condensers will increase the transmission networks' capacity to incorporate a greater share of renewable resources into overall electricity generation. This step ensures that Lithuania, together with Latvia and Estonia, can build a bright, free, economically strong, and secure future.

The synchronisation projects implemented by the Baltic and Polish TSOs are co-funded by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility.

Why is synchronisation important for Lithuania?

We will achieve energy independence from Russian influence, strengthening Lithuania's national security.

We will become full participants in Europe’s electricity infrastructure, managing our power system independently.

New power lines and facilities will contribute to Lithuania's goal of becoming a country that generates 100% of its electricity needs from wind, solar and other renewable sources.

How will synchronisation take place?

The synchronisation of the Baltic States with the Continental European networks will occur by utilising the expanded existing interconnection between Lithuania and Poland, known as "LitPol Link." In preparation for synchronisation, the internal electricity transmission networks of the Baltic States and Poland are being strengthened, synchronous compensators are being installed, and control systems are being developed for disconnection from Russia and for stand-alone operation.

Who is responsible for synchronization in Lithuania?

The company manages more than 7,000 km of overhead lines in Lithuania, more than 200 transformer substations and 17 inter-system lines with other countries, and carries out regular maintenance of these lines in order to ensure the proper transmission of electricity to all the country's inhabitants, institutions, and other organisations.

The implementation of synchronisation in Lithuania is overseen by Litgrid, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, which ensures the stable operation of the country’s electricity system, manages electricity flows, facilitates competition in the open electricity market, and enables the integration of renewable resources into the transmission network.