Baltic electricity TSO-s agreed on R&D cooperation

Baltic electricity transmission system operators signed Memorandum of Understanding on cooperating in R&D projects related to transmission grid planning, operation and market modelling.

Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian transmission system operators, Elering, AST and Litgrid respectively, expressed during the recent Baltic TSO’s leaders meeting their continued interest for cooperation in common research and development (R&D) activities by signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Baltic countries have similar background and setup regarding their energy systems and markets due to historical reasons – therefore, becoming fully integrated with European single energy market is a common challenge where cooperation in R&D plays its role.

Parties intend to cooperate in R&D projects related to transmission grid planning, operation and market modeling if these projects are of relevance or interest for all Parties. Particularly, Elering, AST and Litgrid expressed their intention for potential long-term cooperation in electricity market modeling based on BALMOREL market model.

Joint efforts in market modeling are essential for proper regional electricity grid developments which would best guarantee security of supply and functioning energy markets based on fair and transparent competition. This includes the desynchronization of Baltic energy systems from Russia and connecting with Central European market and synchronous area.

European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity ENTSO-E has initiated the next update of ten-year network development plan (TYNDP). BALMOREL market model can be used for modeling Baltic electricity market in a well-planned and coherent way in order to solidly present the needs of Baltic TSO-s in TYNDP process.

European Third Energy Package and Directive EC/72/09 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity specifically highlight the need for European wide common R&D planning. ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) has recently set up its R&D Committee and is regularly updating ENTSO-E R&D Plan where Baltic TSO-s can represent their interests and should do so in maximum reasonable way.