“Litgrid”: as the production of solar power plants grew, electricity in Lithuania became cheaper by 12 percent in April.

According to Aistė Krasauskienė, head of Litgrid’s Market Development Department, electricity prices were mainly influenced by the increased production of solar power plants, weather changes and prolonged repairs of nuclear reactors in the Nordic countries.

“Despite the cold temperatures, solar farms continued to break production records, reaching more than 700 megawatts at midday at the end of the month. And in the first days of May, the production peaks of solar power plants are already approaching 900 megawatts,” A. Krasauskienė said in the report.

According to her, the electricity supply in the region was reduced by the repairs of nuclear reactors in Sweden and Finland.

“Lithuania is part of the common European electricity market, so electricity prices are affected by the situation in other countries. In recent months, the repairs of nuclear reactors in the Nordic countries have contributed to the increase in prices, especially in periods when wind and solar power plants produce less electricity in the region,” said the head of Litgrid’s Market Development Department.

According to “Litgrid”, the price of electricity in Latvia in April was the same as in Lithuania, but in Estonia – 0.2 euro per megawatt hour (MWh) higher.

The biggest price change last month was recorded in Finland, where the price of electricity decreased by 18 percent. 49 euros per MWh. The price of electricity decreased in all trade zones of the Baltic Sea region, except Poland – where it grew by 7 percent. 81 euros per MWh and was the most expensive in the region.

Electricity consumption in Lithuania reached 953 GWh (gigawatt hours) in April – 5 percent. less than in March.

Electricity production in Lithuania grew by 4 percent per month. up to 633 GWh, and local power plants provided 66 percent. consumption of the country.

Compared to March, the production of wind power plants decreased by 5 percent in April. up to 284 GWh. At that time, the generation of solar power plants grew by 33 percent. up to 125 GWh, thermal power plants – 28 percent. up to 79 GWh, while hydropower plants decreased by 8 percent. up to 86 GWh.

The generation of other power plants in April remained similar to March – about 60 GWh.

The production of wind power plants in April accounted for 45 percent. of total local production, solar power plants – 20 percent, hydro power plants – 14 percent each, thermal power plants – 12 percent, other power plants – 9 percent.

The total import flow was 43 percent. consumption of the country. Imports to Lithuania in April reached 570 GWh – 14 percent. less than in March. Imports from Scandinavia through the “NordBalt” connection amounted to 61%, from Latvia – 18%, and about 21% were imported from Poland.

Exports grew by 43 percent in April. up to 162 GWh. The largest share of electricity exports was directed to Poland – 61 percent, to Latvia – 33 percent. – to Poland, the remaining 6 percent. – to Sweden.

Associative 123rf photo.