The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are set to sever their connection to the Russian power grid on February 8, 2025, ten months earlier than initially planned. This move, while symbolic, represents a significant step in the Baltic states' commitment to European integration and their ongoing "derussification" efforts.
The three Baltic nations have already stopped purchasing electricity from Russia and Belarus since May 2022, ensuring a seamless transition for consumers. They have been progressively integrating their power systems into the Continental European Synchronous Grid (CESG), the world's second-largest synchronized grid after China's. The Baltic states will be the last EU members to join the CESG, which also includes Turkey, Ukraine, and Moldova.
The decision to disconnect from the Russian grid, known as BRELL (Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), is driven by concerns over energy security and independence. The BRELL network, a legacy of the Soviet era, connects the power systems of Russia, including its Kaliningrad enclave, Belarus, and the three Baltic nations.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Baltic states have accelerated their efforts to sever ties with Russia. The recent sabotage of critical underwater infrastructure cables in the Baltic Sea has further highlighted the need for energy independence. The EU has pledged €1.23 billion ($1.28 billion) in investments to support the Baltic states' integration into the CESG, providing them with greater options for reliable energy supply.
The Baltic states are also connected to the independent Scandinavian electricity market. Lithuania has an underwater connection to Sweden called NordBalt, while Estonia has two direct connections to Finland – Estlink 1 and Estlink 2, with a third connection expected to be completed in 2035.
However, the Estlink 2 cable was damaged in December 2023, significantly reducing transmission capacity between Estonia and Finland. The European Commission (EC) stated that the vessel involved in the incident was part of the Russian ghost fleet.
Despite the sabotage, the EC has reassured that the planned disconnection from the Russian grid will proceed as scheduled, as the Baltic states have built additional infrastructure in the region over the years.