Securing the future of energy in the Baltic Sea Region

The Baltic Sea Region stands at a pivotal point in its energy evolution. As climate urgency intensifies, the region is navigating a complex transformation: phasing out fossil fuels, scaling up renewables, and securing supply in times of geopolitical volatility. Energy security and affordability, once assumed constants, are now key variables shaping the region’s stability and competitiveness.

First is the decentralisation of energy production. Technological advancements and policy incentives are empowering cities, municipalities, and even households to become active energy producers.

Second, electrification is accelerating across sectors from transport to heating, driving up demand and underlining the need for a resilient grid.

Third, the successful synchronisation of the Baltic States with the Continental European electricity grid, replacing dependency on third-country systems, marks a major milestone for regional energy sovereignty. In parallel, efforts to increase energy effi-ciency, from building renovations to smart energy use, are proving crucial in reducing demand and enhancing resilience.
Finally, the digitalisation of energy systems is reshaping how we manage supply, forecast consumption, and integrate renewables.

Yet challenges persist. The Baltic Sea Region is rich in renewable potential especially offshore wind, however bottlenecks of supply chains, underdeveloped grid flexibility, including storage capacity, and sometimes delayed permitting are main hurdles for faster development of this sector. Moreover, the effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine have spotlighted the vulnerability of energy imports and deepened the resolve to enhance energy independence.

The Baltic Sea Region’s geographic proximity, robust institutional frameworks, and well-established culture of cooperation position it uniquely to lead in the development of integrated, resilient, and sustainable energy systems. The region’s energy future is not solely defined by infrastructure and capacity, but by a collective commitment to security, sustainability, and sovereignty.

Policy Area Energy Coordinator Comment

In the context of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Policy Area Energy actively supports this transition by promoting coordinated action and transnational cooperation. Electrification and decarbonisation are deeply reflected in our flagship initiatives and project portfolio.
One standout example is the Baltic Offshore Grid Initiative, where countries are working together to develop an integrated offshore wind network, maximizing the region’s potential while strengthening energy security. This achievement is not only technical, but also deeply political and strategic, demonstrating the power of regional solidarity and long-term planning. It also lays the groundwork for deeper regional market integration, which is essential for balancing supply and demand, enabling energy trade, and ensuring stable prices across borders.

Policy Area Energy also contributes through policy alignment and stakeholder engagement. Our role is to bridge national strategies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide a platform for innovation – turning into momentum.

In essence, our shared future depends on our ability to act together today. By investing in clean, connected, and collaborative energy systems, the Baltic Sea Region is not just adapting to, but it is shaping them.

Securing the Future – Views from the Policy Area Coordinators

This text is originally published in the “Securing the Future – Views from the Policy Area Coordinators” publication. The publication consists of thematically focused articles that are aligned with the Strategy objectives. The texts support informed discussion on topics relevant across the Baltic Sea Region.

Download the full publication here.

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