Unique postage stamp set captures Baltic energy system synchronisation with Europe

To mark synchronisation of the Baltic energy system with Europe and disconnection from the grid controlled by Russia, postal administrations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in cooperation with Baltic transmission system operators have issued special postage stamps. This set of three postage stamps is dedicated to this historic event that is a significant step towards consolidating the Baltic States' energy security and stability, as well as generating new opportunities in the electricity and Baltic balancing capacity markets. 

"The electrical scheme creatively adapted in the postage stamp design symbolises the unity of the Baltic States within the European electricity network. Together, the three countries' postage stamps form a single drawing, highlighting the diversity and joint goal of our region. All three countries' launch day envelopes connect likewise. Moreover, each country's postage stamp depicts its angle to electricity and its sources: wind turbines in Estonia, a hydropower plant dam in Latvia, and solar panels in Lithuania, thus highlighting our region's diversity and potential," explains the designer of stamp issue – artist Māris Upenieks.

The idea for the postage stamp is based on a creatively adapted electrical scheme, symbolically depicting the technological and emotional connection of all three countries within the single European electricity network. The first of its kind in the Baltic States, this will be an interesting solution for philatelists—putting together these postage stamps simultaneously issued in all three countries, a single drawing is formed, a uniform scheme, organically integrating all the standard postage stamp elements. All three countries' launch day envelopes visually connect likewise. The postage stamp's metallic background colour prompts associations with high voltage power lines, pylons and technology, while the vibrant blue tone of the scheme, which will glint even more brightly under UV lighting, is associated with the future, energy and Europe.

“Connection to the European electricity grid was the most important energy supply security project in the Baltics this century. It is gratifying to note the efficient cooperation between our countries and the professional execution of the project, which despite conflicting opinions, ensured that synchronisation took place seamlessly, with no disruption to everyday users. The postage stamp honouring this historic event is another “thank you” to all those who implemented the project for their efforts,” stresses Minister for Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.

"Created at the initiative of the Baltic States' transmission system operators, this set of stamps symbolises our cooperation in the fulfilment of the synchronisation project in which each country's contribution was important and complemented one another in the attainment of our joint goal. I am gratified that synchronisation has gone as planned, and that this joint set of postage stamps will remind us that 9 February is Baltic Energy Independence Day," comments Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Management Board of the Latvian transmission system operator JSC Augstsprieguma tīkls.

"In this period of geopolitical complications and changes, synchronisation of the Baltic States' electricity grids with Europe is not only a historic step towards strengthening our region's energy independence, but also a significant factor in the continuous operations and development of Latvijas Pasts," emphasises Ģirts Rudzītis, Chairman of the Board, VAS Latvijas Pasts. "We are a state critical infrastructure company, and the functionality of our logistics and IT systems, which enable us to provide high quality services to customers, would be unimaginable without a stable electricity supply. To be part of Europe in this realm is a logical step, which reinforces our affinity to the continent."

All three postage stamps can be purchased online here: https://www.wopa-plus.com/en/stamps/index/ 

The agreement regarding the functioning of the Baltic energy system within the BRELL network expired on 7 February. A day later, on 8 February, the Baltic States cut their remaining links with the Russia-controlled system, and on 9 February the energy systems were successfully synchronised with the European grid.