Estonian renewable energy firm Sunly has announced a significant development in the Baltic energy landscape. The company has entered into an agreement with Rolls-Royce Power Systems to develop four substantial battery energy storage systems in Latvia. This venture is poised to become the largest battery storage undertaking by a privately held entity in the Baltic region, according to a statement released by Sunly.
This strategic Baltic battery storage investment arrives at a critical juncture for the Baltic energy sector. The region’s recent synchronisation with the European electricity network and its subsequent disconnection from the Russian grid have led to a heightened demand for services that balance the grid and control its frequency. These new facilities are designed to address precisely these needs.
The collective storage capacity of these four planned facilities in Latvia will reach 490 megawatt-hours (MWh). This initiative forms part of a broader regional partnership that has the potential to expand to a total of 790 MWh, which would include a proposed project in Estonia. The announcement was made during the inauguration of Sunly’s new solar park in Valmiera, a site notable for being one of Latvia’s pioneering hybrid renewable energy locations, integrating both solar power generation and battery storage capabilities.
The first of these Baltic battery storage installations, located in Valmiera, is anticipated to commence operations in early 2027. The remaining three projects are scheduled for completion later in the same year. This phased rollout aims to swiftly bolster the region’s energy infrastructure.
Under the terms of the agreement, Rolls-Royce will serve as the principal contractor. Its responsibilities will encompass the complete lifecycle of the projects, including design, the supply of necessary equipment, construction, and the final commissioning of the systems. The company is set to implement its advanced mtu EnergyPack battery systems, complemented by sophisticated energy management software. These technologies are specifically engineered to help manage the equilibrium between electricity supply and demand, thereby contributing to overall grid stability.
Rolls-Royce has highlighted that these Baltic battery storage systems will play a pivotal role in facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and reinforcing the region’s energy security. As a further step in this collaboration, the companies have also signed a memorandum of understanding for an additional 300 MWh battery storage project to be situated in Risti, Estonia.
