The LitPol Link is a strategic electricity interconnection between Lithuania and Poland, designed to integrate the Baltic States’ power systems with the Continental European Network. This project plays a crucial role in ensuring energy security, strengthening regional cooperation, and reducing the Baltic region’s dependence on the Russian-controlled IPS/UPS system. For many years, the electricity systems of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were part of the post-Soviet IPS/UPS network, which limited their ability to connect to the European Union’s power grid. The LitPol Link was developed to change this, enabling the Baltic States to synchronize with the Continental European Synchronous Area (CESA), ensuring stable and secure energy connections with the rest of Europe.
The LitPol Link connects the Lithuanian electricity network from Alytus with the Polish network in Ełk. It includes a 400 kV high-voltage transmission line and a back-to-back converter station in Alytus, which is essential for harmonizing the different technical standards of the Baltic and European grids. The link has a total capacity of 500 MW and is a critical component of the larger Baltic Synchronization Project, an EU-supported initiative to fully integrate the Baltic power systems into the European grid by 2025. This synchronization process will eliminate the Baltic States’ dependence on the Russian-controlled electricity system, significantly improving the stability and resilience of the region’s power infrastructure.
The importance of LitPol Link extends beyond energy security. It promotes market integration, allowing the Baltic States to access the European electricity market, which in turn fosters competition and lowers electricity prices for consumers. By providing access to a wider range of energy sources, it also contributes to the diversification of the region’s energy supply, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and Russian energy imports. Additionally, the link plays a vital role in supporting the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, helping the Baltic States and Poland transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
In February 2025, the LitPol Link was at the center of the full synchronization of the Baltic States with the European power grid. This event marked a historic milestone, as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia fully disconnected from the Russian-controlled power system for the first time, gaining complete control over their electricity networks. The successful synchronization process symbolized the Baltic region’s full integration into the European energy infrastructure, enhancing the region’s energy independence and resilience against external threats.
The LitPol Link is not just a physical infrastructure project; it represents a new era for the Baltic States in terms of energy independence and European integration. As future upgrades and additional interconnections are planned, the LitPol Link will continue to play a key role in strengthening regional energy security and promoting sustainable energy solutions across Europe.
