Latvian TSO uses PLEXOS for transmission and energy security planning
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Team Energy Exemplar- Latvian energy transmission system operator AS Augstsprieguma tikls (AST) has signed a three-year agreement to use Energy Exemplar’s PLEXOS modelling software.
- Sophisticated modelling will allow AST to prospect new solutions to a complexifying energy portfolio, exploring future energy scenarios, reassuring investors and bringing down costs for consumers.
- AST joins the TSOs of Lithuania and Estonia in using PLEXOS, allowing the Baltic States to coordinate shared objectives and streamline decision making.
6 September, RIGA: Latvian energy transmission system operator AS Augstsprieguma tikls (AST – ‘High voltage grid’) today announced a three-year agreement with Energy Exemplar to use PLEXOS simulation modelling software to manage changing energy priorities.
AST is an independent transmission system operator in the Republic of Latvia, engaged in providing electric power transmission network services and ensuring the balancing and stability within the transmission network.
By providing a virtual simulation of the market, PLEXOS software will support AST in decision-making around the switch to new sources of imported and homegrown energy as the nation looks to improve its energy security, commit to social responsibility and manage the safe operation of the Latvian energy system.
PLEXOS will help AST coordinate strategy with neighbouring countries. With Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania also using PLEXOS, the Baltic States will be able to share insights and collaborate to a level previously considered unreachable. This goal is in line with the overall plan of Baltic States to synchronise with the rest of the continental European power market by 2025.
“This partnership will be of huge benefit to AST, to Latvia and to its people. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity for the Baltic States to work together, sharing reliable data and coordinating efforts towards investment in clean energy in the area.”
- Michael Schneider, Senior Vice President, Head of EMEA at Energy Exemplar
AST will use PLEXOS to simulate different water time series on hydro generation in Baltic States that could affect supply and prices in the region.
This information will allow appropriate investment in infrastructure and managing the timing of switching to alternative energy sources to keep costs low and consistent for the end user. The simulation facility is crucial for new interconnector development and the assessment of rapid increase of high capacity RES generation in Baltic States.
“With geopolitical changes occurring, the future is uncertain, but by modelling possible scenarios, AST will be well positioned to make good decisions for citizens and investors, building a strategy based on the best available predictions of future challenges and opportunities,” added Schneider.
Founded in 1939, AST is owned by the Ministry of Finance in the Republic of Latvia. The TSO controls over 5,500km of connected powerlines, 140 substations, and has an income of €126mn.“We are very keen to get started with this technology, knowing the potential it has to refine our understanding of the emerging energy situation and to both plan for the future and respond to challenges as they emerge. This tool will aid us in data-led decision making in cooperation with our European colleagues and partners.”
- Arnis Daugulis, Board Member at Augstsprieguma tīkls AS
PLEXOS will support AST’s current long-term strategic goals of:
- Strengthening the energy security of Latvia by synchronising the electricity transmission network of Latvia with the continental European network;
- Sustainable development of the electricity transmission system of Latvia;
- Ensuring the safe operation of the Latvian electricity system and quality electricity supply to consumers;
- Ensuring the sustainable and efficient management of national strategically important energy supply assets;
- Certifying the company as a socially responsible company.
Energy Exemplar previously signed deals with Estonia in February 2020 and Lithuania in January 2022 to use PLEXOS. The deal with AST represents the use of PLEXOS throughout the Baltic states.
About Energy Exemplar: Headquartered in Adelaide, Australia – with offices in the US, Europe, North and South America, and Asia – Energy Exemplar helps 400+ customers, comprising a large share of the world’s top energy market stakeholders across over 68 countries, to analyse scenarios for the most accurate outcomes while supporting their organisational and digital transformation.
Energy Exemplar supplies energy solutions across the electric, gas and renewable markets and supports infrastructure projects worldwide. Energy Exemplar supports PLEXOS, the market-leading integrated energy simulation software. Along with electric power, water and gas datasets, users can digitally replicate real-world energy markets to deliver crucial forecasting. PLEXOS helps to inform trading, generation scheduling, capacity expansion and market analysis across multiple industry sectors.