A month before the Baltic States join the European energy system, the first synchronous condenser station in Latvia is connected to the transmission grid
On 9 January 2025, exactly a month before the Baltic States join the European energy system (synchronisation), the first synchronous condenser station in Latvia was connected to the power transmission grid. It is one of one nine stations in the Baltics that will maintain a stable frequency to ensure the reliability of the energy system. The project is part of the strengthening of transmission infrastructure in the synchronisation project, which is the most important, biggest and concluding energy independence project in the Baltics.
"This is a historic moment for the Baltic States, confirming our independence and unity within the European energy system. The connection of the synchronous condenser station is not only a technical achievement, but also a symbol of our determination to strengthen the region's energy security and sustainable future. Thanks to the support of European institutions and the investment of international partners, in a month's time our energy security will be at a new hitherto inaccessible level ", emphasises Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis.
From left: Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis, AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" Chairman of the Board Rolands Irklis. Photo by Rūdolfs Liepiņš
The United States of America has always been an important partner to the Baltic States in the realm of security, especially in these complicated geopolitical circumstances. According to US Ambassador to Latvia Christopher Robinson, “Today, Latvia is taking a notable step on the road to energy independence and deeper integration in Europe. The successful connection of Latvia's first synchronous condenser station to the power transmission grid marks a decisive turn, joining the power grid of continental Europe, strengthening the country's energy security and its place within a durable and mutually connected Europe.”
The synchronisation project is being implemented by Baltic transmission system operators, in Latvia – AS Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST). AST Chairman of the Board Rolands Irklis stresses that, "Independence is not to be taken for granted, joint investment is required. In terms of independence and energy independence, our country has always gone hand in hand with our Baltic neighbours. Jointly joining the European Union, during the past 20 years, we have strengthened our energy independence, starting with new interconnections with European countries and thereafter continuing the synchronisation project. This is the most important, biggest and concluding energy independence project in the Baltics. With this project, we are completely severing our ties with the energy systems of Russia and Belarus and integrating with Europe's energy system, becoming a single system – blood circulation with a uniform heartbeat. For the dependability of the energy system, this is maintained and kept stable by many small "hearts" – the Baltics' nine synchronous condensers and many other system elements, which we have worked on in the synchronisation project, in order to ensure a stable frequency and stable transmission grid operations."
Looking back in history, Liepāja, Grobiņa and Kurzeme have been one step ahead in the realm of energy. Back in the late 19th century, the first electric tram in the Baltics started operating in Liepāja, thanks to the fact that Latvia's first city power plant commenced operations in Liepāja. Today, Liepāja is a city that is rapidly developing and where demand for power transmission capacities is growing fast. There is increasing interest in new connections with significant consumption, parallel to which major wind generation development is expected in Kurzeme. One of the tasks of the synchronous condensers is to stabilise the frequency, reflecting variable renewable generation. Therefore, Kurzeme is not only an important place for synchronisation, but also for the future, with the development of Latvia's production in mind, i.e. greater energy generation self-sufficiency.
“Currently, we are witnesses not only to a technological, but also a symbolic event that will strengthen the independence and unity of all three Baltic States. Firstly, this project will significantly increase the dependability of the power supply in our region. Secondly, today we are also taking a step towards a more environmentally friendly and greener life, which is one of Liepāja's priorities as a climate neutral city,” explains Liepāja City Council Chairman Gunārs Ansiņš.
From left: United States of America Ambassador to Latvia Christopher Robinson, Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis, AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls" Chairman of the Board Rolands Irklis, Liepāja City Council Chairman Gunārs Ansiņš, Chairman of the Municipal Council of South Kurzeme Aivars Priedols, Vice President of Siemens Energy Nordics & Baltics Joakim Lagerholm. Photo by Rūdolfs Liepiņš
In order to ensure the inertia within the energy system required to maintain a stable frequency, as well as the functioning of short-circuit power relay protection, and the reliable connection of solar and wind power plants, in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, three synchronous condensers will be installed – three in each country. Currently, most of the Baltic synchronous condensers have already been built.
The synchronous condenser station in Grobiņa is the first to be connected to Latvia's power transmission grid. By the end of this year, stations in Ventspils and Līksna will also be connected to the grid. The reactive power of each synchronous condenser station will be 100 MVAr (reactive megavolt-amperes) and will provide the required inertia, accumulating 2090 MVAsec (megavolt-ampere seconds). Total investments will amount to EUR 114 million, with 75% comprised of co-financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
Synchronisation of Baltic grids with continental Europe will increase the reliability of power supply in the region, concurrently fostering the development of Europe's internal energy market and creating new business opportunities. In addition, investments made within the framework of the project in equipment and technologies are one of the prerequisites for the transmission grid to be able to securely connect major sources of renewable energy and to fulfil the objectives of the European Green Deal.