The electrical infrastructure includes 18 km of low-voltage (1 kV) cabling and 24 km of medium-voltage and communications lines, along with a 110/20 kV substation for national grid connection. ©Trinarsolar

The 45 MW site in Estonia is now fully operational, with a 32 MWh battery energy storage system in development to enhance grid flexibility and support renewable integration.

Munich, 06. August 2025

Commissioned in 2024 with an installed photovoltaic output of 45 MW, the Raba solar park represents one of Estonia’s larger operational solar facilities to date. The project incorporates a 32 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to support grid reliability and mitigate solar intermittency.

Raba performing in line with projections
As of July 2025, the Raba solar park is operating as expected, delivering approximately 40,000 to 44,000 MWh annually. The installation features bifacial modules from TrinaSolar, specifically the Vertex Dual-Glass-Bifacial model. Developed by Sunly and Metsagrupp and constructed by Smartecon, the solar park plays a key role in supplying clean electricity to the region.

Battery system already under construction

The battery storage system, initiated in 2024, is currently under construction and scheduled for completion by early 2026. The system is designed to offset fluctuations in solar generation, improving overall system flexibility and stability.

Financial backing

The project is supported by a €17.8 million loan from Swedbank. It represents a strategic investment in Estonia’s renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to national decarbonisation objectives and reducing fossil fuel reliance.

Estonia exceeds 50 percent renewables in domestic electricity in 2023

In 2023, for the first time, more than half of Estonia’s electricity was generated from renewable energy sources, with solar power accounting for approximately 20%. However, when including electricity imports, renewables comprised only about 30% of the country’s total electricity supply. Estonia has set an ambitious goal to meet all of its electricity needs with renewable energy by 2030.

Larger projects on the horizon

Estonia’s solar sector has seen the commissioning of several large-scale photovoltaic projects alongside Raba’s development: The Kirikmäe Solarpark, operational since 2024, contributes over 77 MW to the national grid, increasing overall generation capacity. Similarly, the Sopi Solarpark, online since 2025, adds a further 74 MW. Looking ahead, the Risti Solarpark is under construction and, upon completion in 2027, will be the largest photovoltaic installation in Estonia and the Baltic region, with a planned capacity of 244 MW.

Solar and storage strengthen Estonia’s energy autonomy

Together, these projects underscore Estonia’s increasing focus on utility-scale solar energy. According to official figures, Estonia has not imported any electricity from Russia since 2005. In 2023, the country completely stopped importing oil and gas from Russia. Estonia’s electricity supply is well integrated with neighboring EU countries such as Finland and Latvia, and the balance with Russia has been balanced since 2023. The disconnection from the Russian power grid will be completed by 2026 at the latest, effectively ending Estonia’s energy dependence on Russia for electricity. The integration of renewable energies therefore greatly increases the country’s independence and security of supply.

Manfred Gorgus