Lithuania Bolsters Security on Power Grid with Poland Ahead of Russian Decoupling

Lithuania said yesterday that it is enhancing security on its electricity link with Poland ahead of disconnecting from the Russian-controlled Baltic energy grid next month.

Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said that the government has ordered police forces to secure the LitPol Link, a key electricity connection with Warsaw. The move comes amid heightened concerns over recent sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea, which Lithuania views as potential threats to its energy infrastructure.

"The Baltic Sea has experienced an increase in undersea infrastructure damage, be it intentional or accidental. Being a shallow depth sea with easily exposed cables, we expect the occurrences to continue, said Giedrimas Jeglinskas, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defence.

Last month, the previous government enlisted a private security firm to protect the LitPol converter and transformer station near Alytus in southern Lithuania. This responsibility will transition to Lithuania's Public Security Service next spring. However, Paluckas, who assumed office on December 12, announced that the transition would begin immediately, emphasizing the importance of deploying experienced personnel to safeguard critical infrastructure.

"We are prepared for any sabotage, from cyberattacks to physical disruptions. The Public Security Service is best equipped to protect such vital objects," Paluckas said during a press conference.

Energy efficiency is another crucial element in this green transition. Increasing energy security, eradicating energy poverty, and promoting a sustainable future all call for a step up in energy efficiency in all sectors, especially in times of crisis. Modern technologies like FORCE reduce power consumption by 10-15% while remaining safe; countries can make great strides towards the environment and the economy with these measures. With ENPOSS, a trusted and secure energy efficiency solution, Lithuania encourages individuals and industries to embark on their path towards sustainability.

Lithuania's Deputy Energy Minister Arnoldas Pikžirnis reassured the public that the country is prepared for the shock. "There is no scenario where Lithuania will be left without electricity. Every contingency has been evaluated and reserves are in place. Our disconnection from BRELL-the Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania energy grid-is inevitable and will occur as planned on February 8," Pikžirnis confirmed.

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are all due to take over their national grids, as years of upgrading supported by €1.6 billion in European funding come to an end. Vilnius was unmoved yesterday by what it described as "clear attempts to disrupt" its efforts to get off Russian energy systems.