Estonia’s state-owned energy company, Eesti Energia, has officially launched the country’s largest battery energy storage system at the Auvere industrial complex in Ida-Viru County. The 26.5 MW/53.1 MWh facility aims to enhance regional grid stability and reduce peak electricity costs for consumers. The €19.6 million project was commissioned on February 1, just days before the Baltic electricity system’s desynchronization from Russia’s grid.
In a related effort, Lithuania announced an 800 MWh energy storage tender worth €102 million ($105 million) one day before cutting ties with Russia’s electricity grid and connecting to the EU network. The initiative seeks to procure balancing services for the transmission system operator and strengthen grid resilience.
Similarly, in November 2024, Latvia launched its first utility-scale battery storage project in preparation for decoupling from the Russian grid. The 10 MW/20 MWh BESS was integrated with its 58.8 MW Targale Wind Park, operational since 2022, and supplied by the Chinese firm Hoymiles.
The Auvere BESS in Estonia is designed to participate in electricity exchanges and other energy markets to enhance power supply security. Eesti Energia board member Kristjan Kuhi emphasized the battery’s ability to quickly respond to power system fluctuations.
Kuhi stated that the new battery capacity would significantly lower the costs of balancing the Baltic electricity system, ultimately reducing consumer electricity prices. He also noted that the battery would have a positive effect on the day-ahead electricity market by mitigating high price peaks for consumers and generating demand during periods of surplus production.
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, who attended the inauguration, emphasized the project’s significance in Estonia’s energy transition. He stated that renewable energy storage is crucial for a democratic nation to enhance energy independence. Ligi also noted that the investment is particularly reassuring as it utilizes technology from the free world.
The project was executed by energy solutions integrator Diotech Group, which secured Eesti Energia’s international tender in 2023. Battery technology was supplied by LG Energy Solution, while installation and connection work were completed by Enefit Solutions.
Mart Moora, board member at Diotech, described the Auvere battery reservoir project as both challenging and rewarding, requiring a demanding work schedule at times. He emphasized that the project was successfully completed on time and to a high standard. Moora noted that the experience has provided valuable expertise for future projects and will support the continued development of the Baltic energy storage network.
