„Preparations for the synchronisation of the Baltic electricity system are proceeding according to plan – actions are being coordinated with ENTSO-E, the European Association of Transmission System Operators; in August we will announce the non-renewal of the BRELL contract, and in February 2025, after the isolated test of the Baltic countries' work, we will connect to the continental European networks,“ Kreivys said after the meeting of the Synchronisation Commission held on Friday.
„No concrete decision was taken today. The project's circumstances were discussed, and it is going really well. All the projects are moving according to schedule,“ he stressed.
Although the Latvian and Estonian governments have previously said that they may need more time to prepare for synchronisation, the Minister is confident that the Baltic countries will be able to connect to the European grid early next year.
„The projects are progressing well, with compensators, lines, frequency control systems, and other facilities being built in all countries. And we do not see any problems. Moreover, we are already coordinating the letter and the circumstances for sending it,“ he explained.
Mr Kreivys mentioned that the Commission had discussed preparatory work for implementing the Harmony Link on land. Following the government's approval of the decision to prepare a plan for developing its engineering infrastructure, Lithuania and Poland are examining possible technical solutions and coordination with the Rail Baltica project.
„The further development of Harmony Link has been discussed. A study is currently being carried out on the technical parameters, the cable path is being adjusted, and so on,“ Kreivys said.
„Studies are being carried out on Rail Baltica's impact on this project, and it will be clear,“ he added.
The politician also mentioned that the change of government in Poland has not caused problems for the Harmony Link project. However, he said, the process had been slowed down for some time due to a change in the management of the electricity operators in Poland.
„The political changes have no impact on Harmony Link. The new government has signed in Brussels for Harmony Link, which will go overland. Of course, the process has slowed down a bit, but it is starting to move again. Because after the elections, of course, there was a change in the Head of the operators in Poland and some of the management staff,“ he explained.
In February next year, the Baltic countries will conduct a joint isolated operation test to disconnect from the Soviet-era IPS/UPS system and connect to the continental European grid.
According to the Minister, 2024 is a milestone year for synchronisation. During this year, the necessary procedures for the start of synchronous operation of the Baltic States in the ENTSO-E format will be completed, as well as the completion of the remaining projects needed for successful synchronisation: the installation of synchronous compensators and the reconstruction of the Neris transformer substation.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have agreed to disconnect from the Russian IPS/UPS electricity system – the so-called BRELL ring, which, in addition to the Baltics, also includes Belarus and Russia – and synchronise with the European electricity grid by early 2025.
