Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid and Gijos, the company managing Vilnius’s urban energy ecosystem, have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the connection of 32 MW of electrical equipment to the national transmission network. The electricity will be required for Gijos’ planned strategic projects and to ensure power supply for the auxiliary needs of its existing facilities.
“As electricity generation from renewable energy sources continues to grow rapidly in Lithuania, businesses have increasing opportunities to electrify their operations and take advantage of periods of surplus generation through flexible electricity consumption solutions. The projects being developed by Gijos are among the first initiatives of this kind, demonstrating that Lithuania’s renewable energy development policy is creating new opportunities to improve energy efficiency, while highlighting the significant potential for synergy between the heating and electricity sectors. In our view, district heating providers are particularly well positioned to make flexible use of solar and wind energy,” says Ignas Junevičius, Head of the Renewable Energy Resources Centre at Litgrid.
According to Mr Junevičius, district heating providers in Lithuania can take advantage of periods when high levels of solar and wind generation create an electricity surplus and drive market prices down. By using technologies such as heat pumps and electric boilers, they can utilise heating systems as large-scale energy storage facilities. One example is the recovery of thermal energy from treated wastewater, with the stored energy subsequently used in hot water and district heating systems.
“We are taking an important step towards creating a more modern and resilient urban energy ecosystem. By harnessing thermal energy from treated wastewater and other sustainable energy sources, and by flexibly converting electricity into heat, we will be able to make a significant contribution to meeting the city’s heating demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time, this demonstrates how the heating sector can become an active participant in the energy transition – consuming electricity flexibly, taking advantage of periods of high renewable generation, and creating added value for both the energy system and the residents of Vilnius,” says Gabrielė Bitinė, Head of the Project Management Team at Gijos.
Gijos’ planned strategic projects open up new opportunities to make more efficient use of local energy resources, strengthen the interaction between heating and electricity systems, and accelerate the company’s transition away from fossil-fuel-based solutions. In the future, such projects could also contribute to more flexible electricity consumption by taking advantage of periods when electricity prices are at their lowest.
The agreement between Litgrid and Gijos marks an important step in strengthening cooperation across the energy sector and developing solutions that will contribute to a more efficient, flexible and sustainable energy system in Lithuania.
