GE Vernova Facilitates Litgrid’s Entry into a New Era of Energy Operations

On the European continent, a major focus of utilities is the concept of synchronicity. In other words, numerous power grids in mainland Europe inter-operate as a single, phase-locked electrical grid. Known as the Continental European Synchronous Area (CESA), this massive grid supplies power to over 400 million customers across 24 countries, including most of the European Union.

The benefits of operating this type of synchronous grid include easier pooling of resources and power reserves, lower generation costs, better markets participation, and mutual aid in the event of disruptions, among others.

And with the help of GE Vernova Grid Software technology, another country is poised to join the CESA next year.

Litgrid, the Transmission System Operator of Lithuania, has implemented GridOS^® Advanced Energy Management System (AEMS) – a key solution of GridOS, the first software portfolio designed exclusively for grid orchestration. As part of Litgrid’s control room, AEMS will make it easier to intelligently balance the grid, which plays a significant role in increasing power stability and reliability.

“We are delighted to have successfully implemented another project with our long-time partners at GE Vernova,” said Donatas Matelionis, Head of Power System Operations Department at Litgrid. “This project has brought us closer to synchronous operation with Continental Europe, and we are grateful for their contribution. Thanks to our mutual efforts, the automatic generation control system was installed ahead of schedule and is already in operation. We look forward to continuing our efficient cooperation in the future.”

Specifically, Litgrid is leveraging AEMS ENTSO-E Load Frequency Control (LFC). The ENTSO-E LFC module continually monitors frequency changes caused by various types of power fluctuations. When it detects a fluctuation, it quickly determines how to best respond and automatically sends a signal to the market to bring it back to its nominal value. This is an essential capability to ensure the frequency of the transmission grid remains stable.

LFC fully meets the requirements established by ENTSO-E System Operation Guideline (SOGL) and market guidelines like the Electricity Balancing Guideline (EBGL). It will be integrated with the European Platform for the International Coordination of Automated Frequency Restoration and Stable System Operation (PICASSO) platform.

“Litgrid is integrating renewable generation at record speed to accelerate decarbonization while moving toward synchronization with Continental Europe in 2025” said Stefano Vassena, Client Partner at GE Vernova’s Grid Software business. “This requires increased automation, handling a growing amount of data and compliance with ENTSO-E Market Codes.  We are proud of our contribution with our GridOS software supporting these strategic targets in Lithuania and Europe.”

Litgrid has already made strides toward complete synchronization by upgrading individual components of its network. A good example of this is the LitPol Link station in Alytus. As the name suggests, this is an interconnection point linking the grids of Lithuania and Poland (a member of the CESA). Originally, it operated as a back-to-back High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station, but as a part of the synchronization program, it has been expanded to allow direct AC connection in sync with CESA, making the Alytus station “the key guarantee for the security of the Baltic electric energy systems,” according to Litgrid CEO Rokas Masiulis at a 2021 ceremony marking completion of the expansion project.

GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business played a major role in the switchyard portion of the expansion project by supplying three 410/345/10.5 kV, 600 MVA autotransformers – the most powerful ever installed in a Baltic nation. The autotransformers enable the grids of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – which operate at 330 kV voltage – to connect to Poland at the latter’s nominal 400 kV voltage synchronously.

GE Vernova looks forward to continuing to help Litgrid with the modernization of its electric grid network and provide reliable power to its customers. If you'd like to find out how GE Vernova Grid Software can help your utility on its grid modernization journey, contact us here.