We are ready to sever ties with Russia in the near future

“We recognize the risk that Russia could take steps to desynchronize earlier and initiate a shutdown itself, but we are prepared for this. We have an action plan that includes full control of the network, as well as plans to cooperate with Polish, Swedish and Finnish operators to ensure support via DC cable connections. Thus, we will provide sufficient power to maintain system stability,” assures Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Board of Augstsprieguma Tīkls, commenting on the upcoming exit of the Baltic countries from the BRELL energy ring.

“Of course, it would be safer and easier if this process were planned, but one event is enough for the threat to become significant. All synchronization is aimed at ensuring that we ourselves can maintain and control the network, ensure stability and not depend on the actions of our neighbors “, he adds.

In less than a year, in February 2025, the Baltic countries will disconnect from the BRELL ring with Russia and Belarus. Final preparations are currently underway to ensure a smooth transition, but operators should already be prepared to operate without BRELL capacity if necessary.

The idea of ​​disconnecting the Baltic countries from the Russian and Belarusian energy networks arose back in 2007. Over the next more than ten years, various studies were carried out, agreements were concluded and negotiations were conducted. As part of this process, the Kurzeme Bulge was launched, and Lithuania and Poland began construction of the Lit-Pol connection.

In 2019, the first European Union co-financing was received to synchronize the Baltics’ electricity grids with the rest of Europe. Over the course of five years, the Baltic countries and Poland have done everything necessary to safely disconnect from Russian networks, investing about 2 billion euros in the process. In total, the Baltic countries have nine electricity connections with Russia and Belarus, and Latvia has one.