Transmission system operators (TSOs) from the Baltic States: Litgrid (Lithuania), AST (Latvia), Elering (Estonia) and from Poland (PSE), submitted a joint application for funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
The four countries wish to receive CEF support for the investments worth 238 million euros, crucial for secure and stable synchronisation of Baltic power systems with the Continental European Synchronous Area and desynchronisation from the Russian unified power system. The sources will be spent for grid reinforcements, frequency regulation equipment and upgrade of IT control systems.
The Baltic synchronisation project has already been granted from CEF funds in 2019 and 2020. Baltic States and Poland have so far received more than 1 billion euros for national grid reinforcements, construction of submarine HVDC cable Harmony Link and installation of synchronous condensers in the Baltic States. Further CEF support would help to complete on time the whole synchronisation project which is of high importance to both the Baltic region and the EU. The joint application to CEF is an example of fruitful and productive regional cooperation focused on ensuring the security of supply and market integration of the Baltic countries.
So far, the applicant countries have accomplished several investments linked to the synchronisation including reinforcement of power lines, the building of autotransformers, construction of the third interconnection between Estonia and Latvia. The constructing of additional infrastructure among the countries will enhance the energy security of the region but will also create new opportunities for energy market participants thus boosting the functioning of the internal European energy market. It will also facilitate economic growth and create new business opportunities.
The synchronisation of the Baltic States’ power system with the Continental European Network is planned to be finalised by the end of 2025.