Lithuania is creating its own grid-linked energy storage pilot

Siemens and the transmission system operator Litgrid from Lithuania are both planning to create battery energy storage that connects to the power grid. The idea behind all of this is to help the country step away from the energy ties that are here from the Soviet era, while focusing more on integrating with the other EU countries.

When will this happen?

Right now, there’s an 1MV pilot plan right near Vilnius. This is set to be the proof of concept for many other places like this spread all over the country. The idea is to step away from the Russian fossil gas until 2025, while also integrating with the Continental European Synchronous Area at that time. It’s important for people to have continuous energy at home to enjoy ilmaista pelirahaa and many other activities.

This project relies on an idea named virtual transmission lines. What it does is it helps place the energy storage in a transmission line, where you can absorb or inject power as you see fit. It’s very similar to the transmission line flows, but it mimics that with great success.

Is it simple to shift towards renewable energy?

As you can imagine, for a country that’s focused mostly on fossil fuel consumption, that can be quite the challenge. The fact that they are switching operations with independent partners in the EU does help a lot. Having this and combining it with a system that focuses on importing electricity does help bring in great innovation and higher standard solutions. This is the reason why you want to have a battery energy storage system for the transmission level.

Right now, Lithuania is focused on boosting the renewable power share from 20% to around 45% in 2030. They will also go to around 100% in 2050. The numbers are promising, and the potential is definitely there. However, there can be some stability challenges in the areas that require a lot of power. That’s why using storage linked to the power grid can be a very good idea all the time.

This new project is interesting and one of the most promising actions taken in this direction. The country wants to have a tender for a 700 MW offshore wind project that will happen in 2023. Simply put, the country is working very hard and it tries to shift towards much better, more renewable energy solutions. It really helps push the boundaries and it does bring in front better ways to live within the country.

One thing is certain, Lithuania does try to focus on electrical independence, and they focus on shifting away from any fossil fuels. Doing that is not easy, it comes with its fair share of challenges, but the potential is definitely there. That’s why adapting to the process and identifying how to tackle these things can be well worth it in the long term. The new project is exciting, and it’s one that other countries might actually implement soon as well!