Eesti Energia is to install its first utility-scale energy storage system in Estonia, following a competitive tender for providers in 2023.
The investment in the 26.5MW/53.1 megawatt hour battery storage system will help Eesti Energia to increase the use of electricity produced from renewable energy sources, while ensuring more stable prices for end consumers.
The storage facility, to be installed at the Auvere industrial complex later this year, will be operational by the beginning of 2025, at the same time as the Baltic countries are disconnected from the Russian electricity grid.
The international procurement organised by the energy company was won by the joint tender of Diotech and Solar Wheel, with LG Energy Solution supplying the battery technology.
The asset will also act as a pilot project to make sure the solution is suitable both in Estonia and the company’s other retail markets.
Kristjan Kuhi, Member of the Management Board of Eesti Energia, said: “The quickest way to ensure affordable electricity for consumers and the independence of the Estonian energy system is to switch to renewable energy as soon as possible.
“Since the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine all the time, energy needs to be stored. One solution for storing renewable energy is using large-scale energy storage devices.
“With such solutions we could prevent the extremely high electricity prices as we experienced recently.
“Sufficient storage capacity helps ensure affordable electricity prices, the reliability of the energy system and a more efficient use of renewable energy.”