Lithuania tests cutting off last energy link with Russia

Lithuania plans to conduct its first test disconnection from Russia's power grid to assess the Baltic state's ability to cut its last remaining energy link with Moscow and test its readiness for transitioning to the European grid.

Lithuanian national grid operator Litgrid AB will conduct the test from 11am to 9pm on April 22, local time (ie from 3pm on April 22 to 1am on April 23 Vietnam time).

During the test, all connections to the Russian grid will be completely cut off. Electricity on the grid will come only from domestic sources and imported from Sweden and Poland.

Lithuania, along with Latvia and Estonia, has cut its energy dependence on Moscow by seeking alternative sources of oil, gas and electricity.

Although the Baltic region has been cut off from importing Russian fossil fuels since the Kremlin launched its military campaign in Ukraine last February, it still relies on neighboring Russia to maintain the stability of its power system. Three Baltic states are currently connected to the Moscow-controlled BRELL grid, including Belarus.

Three Baltic states, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, are connected to the Moscow-controlled BRELL grid, which also includes Belarus. Photo: LRT

“For the first time in history, Lithuania’s electricity system will be fully independent, so we are taking responsible preparations for the test and will be ready for any scenario,” said Litgrid CEO Rokas Masiulis. “Consumers will not be affected by the test.”

The Baltic states are set to benefit from more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in European Union (EU) investment to help them become independent from Russia's power grid.

Lithuania will achieve full energy independence after synchronizing its grid along with Estonia and Latvia with the rest of Europe by 2025, but this deadline could be pushed up to 2024 if such tests go smoothly, according to Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.

Lithuania’s test would also isolate the Kaliningrad region, Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave. In preparation for such a scenario, Russia’s top energy import-export operator, Inter RAO, has expanded Kaliningrad’s power capacity, making it possible for the grid there to operate independently of Lithuania .

Minh Duc (According to Bloomberg, Yahoo!News)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/litva-thu-nghiem-cat-dut-moi-lien-he-nang-luong-cuoi-cung-voi-nga-a604350.html