D.Ristori: Baltic power synchronization is one of key projects for Europe

Vilnius, July 9 - Neftegaz.RU. The disconnection of the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian power systems from the Moscow-controlled BRELL ring and their synchronization with the electricity network of continental Europe is a priority project, said Dominique Ristori, Gen. Director of the European Commission's for Energy, The Baltic Times reported.

Awarded for merits to Lithuania by President Dalia Grybauskaite, Ristori told BNS Lithuania that very important steps had been made as part of the synchronization project as a technical solution was found this year and it would allow the Baltic states to become progress leaders.

"This will be fundamental because it will increase the security of the grid at the time when electricity will be more strategic than ever," he said in an interview with BNS Lithuania.

In his words, the project has reached the point of no return. Responding to the question whether the Baltic states can expected 75 % funding for the project or it might drop to 50 %, as some in Lithuania fear, the EC representative said it's one of the most important projects for Europe, therefore, there should be no funding problems.

Commenting on the Baltic states' disconnection from the so-called BRELL ring that now links the 3 Baltic states, Russia and Belarus, Ristori said the Commission is in constant contact with Russia and Belarus at both the political and technical level.

Asked whether the EU should make a common decision on electricity trade with 3rd countries or Lithuania should possibly receive an exception over the Astravyets NPP under construction close to its border, Ristori said that "we have to obey not only the European but also to the international rules of trade. It would be difficult to stop trade. We can only do that in extreme situations."