Estonia’s population is 1.4 million and their all-time peak electricity consumption is 1600 MW. Since Elering is a small company compared to some other European TSOs, they are very flexible and open to changes.
“Elering’s main responsibility is ensuring the reliable operation, development, and management of Estonia’s electricity and gas transmission systems. We manage and maintain the high-voltage electricity grid to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity. We also operate the gas transmission network to ensure the secure and efficient delivery of natural gas to consumers and businesses,” says Märt Allika, Elering’s Head of Energy System Control Centre.
As a TSO, Elering ensures system stability and security. They also support the development of energy markets by providing services like data exchange, enabling market participants to trade electricity and gas efficiently.
Adapting to the Continental-European synchronous area has required significant system development
Baltic power systems have historically been part of a Russian-controlled synchronous area, which today poses a geopolitical and energy security risk.
“One could say that the power system was the last important area where Russia had direct influence on the Baltic States. To mitigate the risk to the Baltic States’ energy security, the project was initiated to synchronize the Baltic power systems with the Continental-European power system.”
The first preparatory activities began already in 2007, and the CFI Agreement with Continental-European TSOs was signed in 2019.
“The main difference between the old and new synchronous areas is the approach to system control. The old system had a centralised approach, where the Russian TSO had decision-making power in important topics. In the new system, the approach is decentralised, and all TSOs are responsible for doing their part,” Allika says.
To join the Continental-European synchronous area, Elering had to build or renovate infrastructure, such as transmission lines between Estonia and Latvia and some substation equipment.
“We also built three synchronous compensators to maintain frequency stability. In addition, we needed to update our power system control and planning systems.”
Elering disconnected from the Russian-controlled synchronous area on the 8th of February 2025, when the Baltic countries formed an isolated island. They operated in isolated mode until synchronising with the Continental-European synchronous area on the 9th of February 2025.
“From TSO’s perspective, the changing from one synchronous area to another was the project of the century and very important for Elering and Estonia as a country. Everyone at Elering came together to see it through. Our cooperation with the other Baltic countries was and still is intensive. All Baltic TSOs are very happy to join the new system,” Allika says.
Estonia has direct power system connections with Finland and Latvia
The Estonian electrical system and gas grid is interconnected with European systems, and Elering cooperates closely with other European TSOs. Estonia has direct electricity connections with Finland and Latvia – through HVDC links with Finland and AC lines with Latvia.
“Elering takes part in developing the European single energy market and strengthening regional energy security. We cooperate closely with the TSOs of Latvia and Lithuania to ensure the stability of the energy systems of the Baltic countries,” Allika says.
The EstLink connections are very important to both Fingrid and Elering and to the whole region, as they play a critical role in ensuring energy security, market integration, and the stability of the electricity grid. They connect the Baltic electricity system with the Nordic electricity market.
“The EstLink connections foster regional cooperation, reduce dependency on single energy sources, and ensure a more resilient and competitive energy network. At Elering, we see the regional cooperation as one of the most important aspects of power system operation. Overall, one could say that the EstLink connections have been an example of outstanding regional cooperation. The recent problems with cables may influence the electricity prices in Estonia and other Baltic countries for some months, but we will have enough electricity.”
Solar and wind power will take Estonia towards 100% renewable energy consumption
Elering supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and manages the certification of green energy through guarantees of origin. They invest in expanding and modernising the electricity and gas transmission networks to meet future energy needs.
“In Estonia, there are already 1100 MW of solar parks and 700 MW of wind parks, and the grid is equipped with its first batteries. In addition, there are around 1350-1400 MW of reliable conventional generation.”
There are some limitations to the building of wind parks, due to the disturbances they cause to the radar systems of the Estonian Defence Forces. Finland faces similar issues. The Estonian state is taking measures to mitigate this challenge.
The shift to green energy means that Elering needs to strengthen the grid.
“Now our focus is shifting to the TE100 program, which is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in Estonia. It focuses on transitioning the country towards achieving 100% renewable energy consumption,” Allika says.
