Baltic Storage Platform, a joint venture (JV), has broken ground on two new 200MW/400MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Estonia. The JV between Estonian energy company Evecon, French solar PV developer Corsica Sole, and asset manager Mirova will develop the 2-hour duration systems, with plans for the first to be commissioned in 2025.
Energy storage is also vital for meeting Estonia's goal of sourcing all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The country's climate minister, Yoko Alender, emphasised the role of storage systems in this transition, saying they would help ensure a “clean, reliable and affordable energy future” for Estonia.
Are battery parks balancing the energy supply in the Baltic countries?
As the Baltic countries prepare for grid synchronisation with the rest of Europe, energy security becomes a pressing issue. Battery parks like the one being built in Kiisa play a critical role in balancing the power supply, especially as Estonia shifts toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Can Eesti Energia build a large-scale energy storage facility?
Eesti Energia was unable to secure a contract for a large-scale energy storage facility through an international tender. It is expected that it would have a capacity ranging from 25 to 50 megawatt-hours that sufficiently meets the reserve needs of the Baltic countries.
What is the largest energy storage facility in the world?
In California, the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility, the largest in the world, has a capacity of 1,200 MWh. Australia's Hornsdale Power Reserve, better known as the Tesla Big Battery, has played a crucial role in stabilising the Australian grid, reducing outages and even participating in energy trading markets.