The 70 MW / 140 MWh Šalčininkai battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Lithuania has been aquired by Olana Energy, a Finnish BESS developer and operator. The project has been co-developed with Lithuanian grid specialist, Balancy grid UAB. 

The Šalčininkai project, located in South-Eastern Lithuania, marks Aura’s second divestment process in Lithuania this year, following the successful sale of Kaišiadorys, a 50 MW / 100 MWh project, also developed in a joint venture with Balancy Grid, acquired by UAB Karjerų linija in June this year. 

The Šalčininkai project is a 2-hour duration transmission-connected BESS and will connect directly to the Jasiunai-Šalčininkai 110 kV overhead line.  The project is ready to build and will now be taken into construction and operation by the new owner, Olana Energy, with a target to be operational in 2026.  

"This is another major milestone for Aura and underscores our commitment to developing renewable energy infrastructure across Europe. We are delighted to complete this sale to Olana Energy whose dedication to advancing renewables and storage  gives us confidence that the project will be delivered to the highest standard, and we look forward to seeing it in operation.” said Claire Ratcliffe, Aura Power’s Head of Transactions. "As our second successful transaction in Lithuania, this sale reinforces our strategy of developing high quality, ready-to-build projects, while also highlighting the critical role of BESS in supporting the Baltics' energy transition and enhancing grid resilience."

Ville Kaituri, CEO of Olana Energy commented: “The Šalčininkai BESS, targeted to be operational in 2026, is an important step in Olana’s growing storage portfolio. It reflects our commitment to delivering reliable large-scale storage technology that strengthens grid resilience and supports the region’s energy transition. Together with our partners, we will work diligently to ensure the project is implemented on time and to the highest standards.”

Karolis Subačius, CEO of Balancy Grid, UAB, added: “We are proud to have co-developed the Šalčininkai project alongside Aura Power. This project demonstrates how international and local expertise can combine to bring grid-strengthening solutions to Lithuania. With demand for flexibility services rapidly growing, projects like this will play a critical role in ensuring energy security and enabling the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets.”

This sale is a testament to the robust growth of the BESS market in Lithuania and the broader European context. Lithuania is strategically positioned within the European energy market and is actively pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 100% production from renewables by 2028 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in 2009 has increased reliance on electricity imports, driving significant investment in renewable energy and, consequently, the need for flexible grid solutions like BESS. 

The Baltic States' balancing capacity demand is projected to exceed 1,500 MW by the end of 2025, more than 2.5 times current levels, creating significant opportunities for battery storage to provide ancillary services and participate in wholesale markets, capitalising on favourable day-ahead price spreads.

We are actively contributing to the energy transition across Europe and North America, with a development pipeline of approximately 13 GW and 196 MWp currently in construction. Our strategy involves combining local expertise with centralised technical capabilities to deliver high-quality renewable energy projects to support the global energy transition. 

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