BEMIP Ministers Agree to Strengthen Energy Infrastructure Security and Resilience
On 12 May, Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas attended a meeting of ministers of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) in Warsaw, Poland, where they discussed issues related to the protection of critical energy infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and the development of the North-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor.
“BEMIP has consistently served as a model for effective regional collaboration. Today, we are opening a new chapter in regional cooperation, which is now expanding to include new priorities such as energy infrastructure security. Lithuania is well aware of the security threats in the region. In addition to actively working with electricity transmission system operators and at the ministerial level, Poland and the other Baltic countries are already taking all necessary steps at the national level to develop a comprehensive and cutting-edge model for energy infrastructure protection and resilience, which should be the first practical example of its kind,” Energy Minister Vaičiūnas said.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen, who attended the meeting, was presented with a letter signed by the ministers of Lithuania, Poland, Estonia and Latvia, setting out the proposed concept for a model for strengthening the resilience of regional energy infrastructure and specific measures. To implement this model, which may eventually be adapted at the EU level, sustained EU funding is required.
A renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on BEMIP was signed by the European Commission, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, and Sweden during the meeting. The memorandum commits the parties to strengthening cooperation in creating an integrated electricity market in the Baltic Sea region and developing electricity and renewable energy infrastructure. It is planned to enhance the security and resilience of energy infrastructure against hybrid and cyber threats and to coordinate projects for the decarbonisation of gas networks and the development of hydrogen and biomethane.
The planned North-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor project, included in the EU’s list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI), was also presented to the BEMIP meeting participants. “The North-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor is one of the most crucial projects that will significantly help the Baltic countries to reach their energy transition goals. We thank the European Commission for acknowledging the significance of this project on a European Union scale. The continued support of the European Commission will remain crucial for the successful implementation of this project,” the Minister noted.
During his visit, Minister Vaičiūnas also participated in an event organised by the Polish Institute for International Affairs entitled ‘Ways to Restore Ukraine’s Energy Sector.’
“Lithuania remains a strong supporter of Ukraine and actively contributes to its struggle for territorial integrity, sovereignty, security and the well-being of its people, both during and after the war. We must unite our efforts and increase investment to ensure Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s attacks on its energy infrastructure, help it survive the coming winter and rebuild a resilient Ukrainian energy system. Lithuania consistently contributes to meeting Ukraine’s needs by offering the required immediate and ongoing assistance,” the Minister said during the discussion.