As Baltic States prepare to dramatically increase renewable energy production and generate up to 100% electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050, Japanese energy company TEPCO Power Grid Inc. analysed technical measures and economic considerations that need to be tackled. TEPCO’s feasibility study provided recommendations and specified minimum requirements for new converter-based generation in Baltic States.

The study shows that the development of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is the best way for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to ensure smooth and reliable operation of their power systems when up to 100% electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. Specifically, 240 MW capacity of the grid forming type battery systems will countermeasure the lack of inertia associated with wind and solar generation. Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian transmission system operators - Litgrid, AS Augstspriegumatī tīkls, and Elering AS - signed a Joint Study Agreement with TEPCO Power Grid Inc. in May 2020.

"The changes in the electricity generation structure are ongoing. The electricity production from fossil fuel power plants are decreasing gradually with replacing of wind and solar power plants. The mentioned process should be continued, to meet goal of zero emission. In order to not reduce power system stability with high proportion of wind and solar power plants, the precise planning of power system is essential, as well as implementation of technical solutions to ensure the stability of the power system are necessary. In addition, in 2025 the Baltic States will be synchronized with power system of Continental Europe, and the Baltic States will be obliged to provide frequency regulation in Baltic power systems. Consequently, the Baltic States should find solutions to provide mentioned services. AST considers that battery energy storage systems are the most technically and economically optimal technology that AST should use for stable and reliable synchronisation with Continental Europe. And conclusions from TEPCO study is one more evidence that BESS is the recommended technology to solve these challenges,” says Gatis Junghāns, Member of AST Management Board.

The main objective of the study was to create an economically reliable model and identify technical measures related to the capabilities of the Baltic States for supply and demand adjustment and frequency control, considering that 98-100% of energy production in each State will come from renewable energy sources by 2050. TEPCO investigated the synthetic inertia and grid forming control technology for High Voltage Direct Current links, new BESSs, and renewable energy generation units such as wind and solar.

The power systems of Baltic States are being prepared for connecting to the synchronously operated area of the Continental Europe by the end of 2025. Equally, all three Baltic States are planning to dramatically increase renewable energy share and reach up to 98-100% of energy production  from renewables in each Sate by 2050.

Japanese transmission system operator TEPCO Power Grid has extensive experience in providing power supply, handling, and development services, including system functionality in extreme conditions. The company is also responsible for reliable power supply on small remote islands and promotes the introduction of renewable energy as the main power source.

The more detailed outlook of the study can be found on Research & development

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