Project Goal
In 2021, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid launched a tender to develop a new application tasked with enhancing its market operations and services. This initiative was part of its ongoing efforts to achieve independence from the Russia-controlled IPS/UPS system, establish a synchronous connection to Continental Europe’s grid, and improve the overall transparency and efficiency of its market management processes.
Lithuania expected to join the MARI platform in 2024 and the PICASSO platform in 2025, as outlined in the common balancing platforms accession roadmaps. However, this called for significant changes to the local market procedures. The successful go-live with the MARI connection was achieved on October 8, 2024 with secure and reliable data exchange.
Our Customer
Litgrid, a Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, maintains stable operation of the national power system, controls electricity flows, and enables competition in an open domestic electricity market. Litgrid is responsible for integrating the national power system into the European power infrastructure and electricity market. The company is known for having built strategic electricity cross-border links, namely, NordBalt (Lithuania-Sweden) and LitPol Link (Lithuania-Poland).
Damas MMS:E
Damas MMS:E is a comprehensive energy market management information system primarily designed and developed for the needs of transmission system operators, HVDC interconnectors, and market operators working in an open energy market environment.
Damas MMS:E fully supports market-related processes of transmission system operators and market operators in the following areas:
- System Services – Maintains the system balance using ancillary services efficiently and with minimum costs.
- Transmission Services – Gains income from congestion management and manages cross-border flows.
- Settlement Services – Evaluates and settles energy market transactions and makes and receives payments.
Litgrid Delivery
Each delivery of Damas MMS:E – Balancing follows a structured, 3-step process: Deliver the Damas MMS:E platform, Configure and Customise, and Integrate with neighbouring systems.
Damas MMS:E Platform Delivery
Damas MMS:E, a well-established product by Unicorn Systems, has been assisting system operators in managing market-related processes since the early 2000s. Many of the features requested by Litgrid can be provided as out-of-the-box functionalities due to the platform’s maturity and extensive capabilities.
Configuration and Customisation
One of the standout features of Damas MMS:E is its high configurability. Most system functions can be configured by analysts, which shortens the information-sharing cycle and simplifies the overall delivery process. This flexibility allows us to quickly adapt to a sprint-based delivery for Litgrid, making it easier to prototype and demonstrate solutions, thereby facilitating feedback and iterative improvements.
Integrations
Litgrid’s integration with numerous surrounding systems and solutions is achieved through Web Services, ECP, FTP, and more. The Damas MMS:E platform supports a wide range of data formats, ensuring seamless integration. After the first go-live, dozens of data flows start running in the Litgrid MMS, and we expect the total number of data flows to reach a hundred in the complete solution.
This comprehensive approach ensures that Damas MMS:E is effectively tailored to meet Litgrid’s specific needs, enhancing its market operations and overall efficiency.
Excellent Litgrid Project Results
The project was successfully launched, achieving the scheduled first and second go-live, meeting customers’ needs, and passing all necessary tests. Two modules (Balancing Capacity Market and Transmission Settlement) were released for production. The solution is currently in live operation, with further improvements and development for the upcoming go-lives still in progress.
