A First for Baltic Solar Energy
In a milestone for the region, Estonian green energy company Sunly has connected its 12 MW Parasmäe solar park to the Baltic frequency markets. This marks the first time a solar park in the Baltics is participating in both the frequency containment reserve (FCR) and automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) markets—a major step toward enhancing grid stability.
The integration of the Parasmäe solar park in Estonia was made possible through collaboration with the national transmission system operator (TSO), Elering, whose support was instrumental in connecting the facility to the markets.
Jos Jansen, Head of Power Markets at Sunly, expressed excitement about the achievement. “We are thrilled to be the first solar park in the Baltics to join both the FCR and aFRR markets,” he said. Jansen emphasized the importance of solar energy in future power systems and highlighted Sunly’s commitment to supporting grid stability.
Strengthening the Grid with Renewables
Frequency markets like FCR and aFRR are crucial for maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand. Frequency containment reserves are essential for quickly correcting imbalances, while automatic frequency restoration reserves help restore the grid’s frequency to its normal range after a disturbance. This capability is vital for maintaining reliability as more variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind are integrated into the grid.
This achievement demonstrates the potential for solar power to contribute directly to energy security in the Baltics. As the region seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the Parasmäe park’s integration illustrates how Estonian solar projects can play an active role in grid management.
Sunly’s success is likely to pave the way for more renewable energy projects to join the Baltic frequency markets, further strengthening the region’s power system.
