Protecting and strengthening the energy infrastructure has long been a priority for Estonia. Politically and socioeconomically aligned with Western Europe, the country’s electricity system will now follow suit, improving energy security for individuals and businesses alike.
After a lengthy preparation process spanning multiple countries, the Baltics will begin to disconnect from the Russian-run network on the morning of February 8th. The countries will then undergo frequency and voltage tests over the weekend, connecting to the European synchronous area on Sunday afternoon.
An unprecedented endeavour
“It is a unique undertaking in the recent history of energy in terms of its scale and complexity. The preparations are complete, and we are ready for desynchronisation,” said Kalle Kilk, head of Elering, in a press release earlier this week. “Although major technical changes always involve certain risks, we have analysed them thoroughly and developed appropriate action plans. With a planned transition, the average electricity consumer should not notice any change.”
To mitigate risks, a strong cooperation network with Latvian and Lithuanian system operators and Continental European network operators has been established.
“However, it is sensible for every household, institution providing vital services, and company to be prepared for possible crisis situations at any time, not just during the synchronisation weekend,” Kilk adds.
A total of 1.6 billion euros has been invested in the Baltics to strengthen the electricity system. The infrastructure is complete in the Baltic States and Poland—1,400 km of high-voltage lines and seven new substations have been built, and more than 40 substations have been reconstructed. Six synchronous compensators are completed, with three under construction. Significant work has also been done on IT systems, which act as the eyes and ears of the electricity network.
Business as usual for consumers
Elering recommends that people consume electricity as usual throughout the synchronisation process, because sudden changes in consumption affect the electricity frequency. “We ensure security of supply even in a situation where our connections are interrupted or a power plant shuts down. Thanks to favourable weather conditions, the amount of electricity generation reserves is sufficient,” Kilk says.
Read more about the synchronisation here.
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