Poland and the Baltic states will safeguard their power grids against Russian sabotage.

Operators of the main transmission networks in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have compiled a list of various projects valued at approximately €600 million. These initiatives aim to enhance the security of critical energy infrastructure.

According to ERR,

it is anticipated that these projects will receive support from the European Cohesion Fund, stated Kalle Kilk, chairman of the board of the Estonian energy company Elering.

“This subsidy focuses on measures to prevent all types of attacks. In particular, it involves creating additional security tools for new assets acquired during synchronization, such as lines and synchronous compensators,” Kilk said.

He mentioned that tools will be developed to help monitor the system, understand whether there are any emergencies, and physically prevent any disruptions in the network.

Kilk did not specify what exactly would be procured and developed, only noting that, for example, more reliable protection against drones is needed. Elering aims to create the capability to detect and repel drones.

The final application for participation in the European Cohesion Fund program is currently being prepared, so Kilk indicated that the total cost of the projects is €600 million. This amount is not final. He confirmed that about one-third of the funds will be directed to Estonia. The remainder will be distributed between Latvia and Lithuania, with some investments also directed to Poland, as stated in the report.

It is worth noting that on December 25, it became known about the damage to the 658-megawatt (MW) underwater power cable Estlink 2, which connects Finland and Estonia. Currently, only the 358-megawatt Estlink 1 remains operational between the two countries. According to energy system operators, Estlink 2 may not be operational until August 2025. The day after the incident, Finnish police and coast guard personnel boarded the vessel Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands. It then proceeded to Finnish waters, where the crew of the detained tanker was interrogated.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that the Finnish police are investigating the possible involvement of a foreign vessel in the damage to the underwater power cable Estlink 2, which connects Finland and Estonia.