Four new energy storage facilities in Lithuania
The construction of four large 200 MW electricity storage systems has begun in Lithuania. This development gives Lithuania’s energy system a chance to become completely independent by the end of this year.
Building Lithuania’s energy security
Lithuania’s journey to energy independence is crucial for its residents, especially in today’s context. Therefore, the construction of four 200 MW energy storage facilities has started in Lithuania. The Lithuanian Ministry of Energy believes that these batteries will provide sufficient energy reserves for the country by the end of the year.
this is a huge step both towards our energy security and synchronization.
The investment value was estimated at EUR 109 million.
Will Lithuania cope without energy from Russia?
New energy storage facilities in Lithuania are designed to ensure security if the country is disconnected from the common energy ring with Russia before the planned date in 2025. This would mean leaving the BRELL network, which includes Belarus, Russia, and the Baltic countries (Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia). The BRELL power system uses different frequencies than the EU system, so Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are still energy-connected to Russia.
If Lithuania were suddenly disconnected from the BRELL network, the energy stored in the new batteries would supply power to the country.
The batteries will provide us with electricity in our homes when we are disconnected from BRELL – that is the most important thing. (…) After building the battery, we will be a fully independent system.
Dainius Kreivys, Minister of Energy, Lithuania
According to the minister, disconnecting from the BRELL network is not a critical issue for Lithuania. Nevertheless, these four new energy storage facilities will provide a greater sense of security and, above all, “peace of mind”.
Until now, if something happened to our system, we received immediate power from Russia. After installing the battery, we will be a completely independent system.
Dainius Kreivys
Development of renewable energy
Energy storage in Lithuania could give a significant boost to the development of renewable energy in the country.
The last step that will remain is ensuring the production of electricity. In 2030, we will produce one hundred percent of electricity in Lithuania, and batteries will be one of the foundations that will allow the integration of such a large amount of renewable energy.
Dainius Kreivys
The road to synchronization with Europe
The Baltic countries, namely Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are planning to disconnect from the post-Soviet network by 2025 and fully synchronize with the EU network. This synchronization includes, among other things, the establishment of an energy bridge with Poland, as outlined in the scenario developed by the Lithuanian energy transmission system operator Litgrid in collaboration with the transmission system operators of Poland, Latvia, and Estonia.
The next step in the process of synchronizing the Baltic countries with continental Europe involves the construction of synchronous compensators. This construction is expected to begin in Lithuania in early 2024, earlier than previously assumed. Initially, the Baltic countries were projected to operate in synchronous mode with Europe by 2025.
Source:
PAP