Estonia is investing in energy storage. A milestone towards a secure energy future for the Baltic region
Construction has begun in Estonia on two energy storage facilities with a total capacity of 200 MW and 400 MWh. On Thursday, a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony took place for the project, which aims to support the region’s energy stability and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
Details of the Kiisa Projects
The investment will be carried out by a joint venture between the Estonian energy company Evecon, French photovoltaic developer Corsica Sole, and asset manager Mirova. Both Evecon and Corsica Sole bring their expertise in energy storage systems, which they have developed, among other places, on French islands.
The Kiisa project is described as the largest battery complex in continental Europe, making it a key component in the synchronization of the Baltic states with the European energy grid. The project is divided into two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with the second phase following in 2026. The total capacity of the installations will be 200 MW, and the systems will have a two-hour discharge duration.
Strategic Importance for the Estonian Energy Market
According to the Estonian government’s vision, by 2030, all energy consumed in the country will come from renewable sources. This is the first such declaration among the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. The transition process in this small country has significantly accelerated since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. It is estimated that in order to meet the 2030 goals, Estonia needs to produce at least 9.5 TWh of energy from renewable sources (compared to just 2.9 TWh in 2021). On the one hand, this will result in a dynamic development of offshore and onshore wind farms, biomass installations, and solar energy, while on the other hand, energy storage systems will also play a key role.
Energy storage systems are essential because they allow for the storage of energy produced by solar panels and wind turbines during times when weather conditions are not conducive to generation. Estonia’s Minister of Climate, Yoko Alender, emphasized the significance of this investment: “Estonia has a clear goal – by 2030, all the energy we use must come from renewable sources. Energy storage plays an important role here because we need to store solar and wind production for times when nature takes a break.”
Importance for the Synchronization of the Baltic States with the European Grid
The Kiisa initiative is not only the largest energy storage complex in the region, but also a key step in the process of synchronizing the Baltic states with the European energy grid. Currently, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia remain part of the post-Soviet BRELL energy system, which also includes Russia. Switching to the European grid aims to increase the region’s energy independence and strengthen its energy security amid the changing geopolitical situation.
The Mirova project in Estonia is therefore a milestone in the pursuit of a sustainable and secure energy future, not only for Estonia but for the entire Baltic region. The implementation of such a large-scale energy storage project is an example of ambitious actions towards decarbonization, while also demonstrating how international cooperation can support local climate goals.
Source: renewablesnow.com