Lithuania has successfully operated its electricity grid independently of Russia for the first time.

The Baltic EU and NATO country cut all connections to the Russian power grid for 10 hours on Saturday in a test that went unnoticed by electricity consumers. The trial disconnection was preparation for the planned synchronisation of Lithuania’s grid with western Europe. Lithuania has operated its electricity grid on its own and completely independently of Russia for the first time, officials confirmed. Lithuanian grid operator Litgrid announced on Saturday evening that the test was successful.

Currently, Lithuania is still part of a common synchronised electricity grid with Russia and Belarus, the so-called BRELL ring system dating back to the Soviet era. This system links the Baltic states virtually to the Russian and Belarusian grids, making them depend on Moscow to maintain the stability of their electricity systems, which is considered a security risk. The Baltic states have taken steps in recent years to synchronise the region’s electricity grid with the rest of continental Europe by 2025. Lithuania, however, wants to reach this goal ahead of schedule and faster than planned and is conducting the test on its own and alone, taking a significant step towards energy independence.

Source: scmp.com