Hybrid energy war in the Baltic

The recent damage to the Estlink 2 electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia has highlighted the precarious nature of power supply amid increased fears of a hybrid war with Russia.

Finnish police are investigating whether a ship with links to Russia was involved in sabotage, with the cable – set to be offline for months for repairs – thought to have been damaged by the vessel’s trailing anchor.

In response, Nato has enhanced its military presence in the Baltic Sea, while Estonia has sent a patrol ship to protect the remaining Estlink 1 power cable.

This week’s pod discusses the spate of cuts to data and power links that could point to such nefarious activities, the market impact and the volatile political situation in northern Europe which evokes memories of the Cold War.   

Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel.
 Guests: Prof Paula Kivimaa, Research Professor at the Finnish Environment Institute in Helsinki; Fredrik Bodecker, Founding Partner and CEO of Bodecker Partners in Malmo; Olav Vilnes, Nordics Editor, Montel News.

Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi