In a significant milestone for Baltic energy, Lithuania celebrated the cornerstone-laying of the Telšiai wind farm in Telšiai County on October 17. The project, led by Utilitas Wind and set for completion in 2026, will feature 20 cutting-edge Vestas turbines, each with a 6.2 MW capacity. Expected to produce 420 GWh annually, the farm will power over 125,000 households, a considerable boost toward sustainable energy. Utilitas Wind plans to transfer project operations to Latvenergo, underscoring the Baltic states’ collective commitment to green energy.
During the ceremony, officials including Latvia's Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis and Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of Energy Daiva Garbaliauskaitė joined CEOs Mārtiņš Čakste of Latvenergo and Priit Koit of Utilitas. Together, they placed a symbolic “Letter to Future Generations” in a time capsule, representing the Baltic states’ vision of a shared, sustainable energy future.
Utilitas, a leading renewable energy producer, reported a 10% year-over-year increase in third-quarter energy output, with green energy production rising 15%. With projects like Telšiai, Utilitas contributes to the Baltic nations’ ambitions by expanding its renewable portfolio, which includes 123 MW of wind power across Estonia and Latvia.
As climate conditions drive increased demand for both district cooling and renewable energy sources, Utilitas is positioning itself as a frontrunner in meeting these needs. "The last two Septembers have seen record high temperatures. Through district cooling and renewable projects, we help ensure sustainable, climate-resilient energy for our region," said Priit Koit, CEO of Utilitas.
On November 1, Utilitas Wind launched Latvia’s first large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Targale wind park in the Ventspils region. The 10 MW, 20 MWh capacity battery system, funded by OP Corporate Bank, represents a €7 million investment aimed at enhancing energy reliability. Designed to store surplus electricity during high production periods, this system supports grid balance by supplying stored power during shortfalls.
The project marks a significant step towards meeting the Baltic states' goal of synchronizing with the European grid by February 2025. Kaspars Melnis emphasized the importance of the Targale project, stating, “This hybrid approach of integrating battery storage with wind power strengthens our energy independence and resilience.” Renārs Urbanovičs, a board member at Utilitas Wind, added that this system "plays a critical role in balancing the electricity supply and stabilizing energy prices."
Rolands Irklis, Chairman of Latvia’s transmission system operator AST, highlighted the broader impact: “As the Baltic region disconnects from the BRELL grid, battery systems like Targale will be vital for achieving energy security, contributing to balanced energy costs, and aligning with the European market.”
As renewable projects continue to emerge across the Baltics, stakeholders are pushing for streamlined permits to meet aggressive energy targets. Priit Koit reiterated the need for Estonia to expedite building permits to keep pace with its renewable energy goals. “If we delay, Estonia risks remaining a net importer of electricity,” Koit noted.
