In a decisive move, the electricity grid operators of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania formally informed Russia and Belarus of their intention to withdraw from a 2001 agreement. This pact has maintained their connection to a Moscow-controlled electricity transmission system.
Already ceasing electricity purchases from Russia, the Baltic countries revealed plans last year to disconnect completely from Moscow. This move, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will see their grid integration shift to the main continental European energy network by February next year.
The notification was signed in Riga, Latvia, on Tuesday by utility operators Elering (Estonia), AST (Latvia), and Litgrid (Lithuania). The agreement with Moscow and Minsk will conclude on February 7, with disconnection from their grids scheduled for the following day.
Litgrid CEO Rokas Masiulis described the move as an “ambitious energy independence project,” emphasising the dismantling of physical connections with Russian and Belarusian grids.
Currently under the 2001 BRELL agreement, the Baltic States are interconnected with Russia, though they no longer purchase electricity. The plan is for synchronisation with the continental European system on February 9, 2025, both operating on a 50 Hz alternating current.
Estonia’s Elering highlighted that synchronisation will ensure independent and stable frequency control of Baltic States’ grids, enhancing regional energy security.
In 2019, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland agreed with the European Union to integrate the Baltic nations into the EU’s power network by 2025. However, Russia’s actions in Ukraine accelerated this process.
The transition date of February 2025 was a compromise, with Lithuania advocating for an earlier exit due to Moscow’s unpredictability and aggression. Estonia, cautious of potential blackouts, resisted a quicker transition.
Latvia’s AST Chairman Rolands Irklis noted, “The Baltic electricity market has adapted and operates without electricity imports from Russia.” He asserted synchronisation with continental Europe marks Latvia’s final step toward energy independence.
