Nearly a month after the synchronisation of the Baltic energy system with Europe and disconnection from the grid controlled by Russia, in cooperation with AS Augstsprieguma tīkls, VAS Latvijas Pasts has issued a special postage stamp to mark this event. Designed in cooperation with the postal administrations of Lithuania and Estonia, this set of three postage stamps is dedicated to this historic event that is a significant step towards consolidating the Baltic States' energy security and stability, as well as generating new opportunities in the electricity and Baltic balancing capacity markets.
 

AS Augstsprieguma tīkls Chairman of the Board Rolands Irklis, Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis, VAS Latvijas Pasts Chairman of the Board Ģirts Rudzītis and the designer of the stamp issue - artist Māris Upenieks. Photo - Rūdolfs Liepiņš

“Connection to the European electricity grid was the most important energy supply security project in the Baltics this century. It is gratifying to note the efficient cooperation between our countries and the professional execution of the project, which despite conflicting opinions, ensured that synchronisation took place seamlessly, with no disruption to everyday users. The postage stamp honouring this historic event is another “thank you” to all those who implemented the project for their efforts,” stresses Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.

During the official presentation at the Elizabetes Street Post Office, philately enthusiasts had the opportunity to participate in the first day's stamping of the postage stamp. The postage stamp set is comprised of three postage stamps that complement one another, and together form a single drawing, but each of them can be used independently of the others.

"Created at the initiative of the Baltic States' transmission system operators, this set of stamps symbolises our cooperation in the fulfilment of the synchronisation project in which each country's contribution was important and complemented one another in the attainment of our joint goal. I am gratified that synchronisation has gone as planned, and that this joint set of postage stamps will remind us that 9 February is Baltic Energy Independence Day," comments AS Augstsprieguma tīkls Chairman of the Board Rolands Irklis.

"The electrical scheme creatively adapted in the postage stamp design symbolises the unity of the Baltic States within the European electricity network. Together, the three countries' postage stamps form a single drawing, highlighting the diversity and joint goal of our region. All three countries' launch day envelopes connect likewise. Moreover, each country's postage stamp depicts its angle to electricity and its sources: wind turbines in Estonia, a hydropower plant dam in Latvia, and solar panels in Lithuania, thus highlighting our region's diversity and potential," explains Māris Upenieks.

The nominal value of the new postage stamp is EUR 2.54, and it is intended for letters of up to 20 grams sent within the European Economic Area. The postage stamp has a print run of 20,000 copies, while the special design envelope is available in 500 copies.

"In this period of geopolitical complications and changes, synchronisation of the Baltic States' electricity grids with Europe is not only a historic step towards strengthening our region's energy independence, but also a significant factor in the continuous operations and development of Latvijas Pasts," emphasises Ģirts Rudzītis, Chairman of the Board, VAS Latvijas Pasts. "We are a state critical infrastructure company, and the functionality of our logistics and IT systems, which enable us to provide high quality services to customers, would be unimaginable without a stable electricity supply. To be part of Europe in this realm is a logical step, which reinforces our affinity to the continent."

The official event was attended by Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis, VAS Latvijas Pasts Chairman of the Board Ģirts Rudzītis, AS Augstsprieguma tīkls Chairman of the Board Rolands Irklis and the designer of the stamp issue - artist Māris Upenieks.

The timing of the postage stamp issue symbolically marks the fact that nearly a month has passed since the Baltic energy system is synchronised with Europe. The agreement regarding the functioning of the Baltic energy system within the BRELL network expired on 7 February. A day later, on 8 February, the Baltic States terminated their remaining links with the Russia-controlled system, and on 9 February the energy systems were successfully synchronised with the European grid.