CASE STUDY: Litgrid – New Version of Damas MMS:E
Unicorn Systems successfully delivered a new market management system, based on Damas MMS:E platform in Lithuania.
Project Goal
In 2021, Litgrid, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, launched a tender for the development of a new application aimed at enhancing their market operations and services. This initiative is part of their 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 their market management processes.
Lithuania expected to join the MARI platform in 2024 and PICASSO platform – in 2025, as outlined in the common balancing platforms accession roadmaps. Significant changes to local market procedures were required. The successful go-live with the MARI connection was achieved on October 8, 2024 with secure and reliable data Exchange.
Who is 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 has 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 operating 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 – Maintain the system balance using ancillary services efficiently and with minimum costs.
- Transmission Services – Gain income from congestion management and manage cross-border flows.
- Settlement Services – Evaluate and settle energy market transactions and make and receive payments.
Litgrid Delivery
Each delivery of Damas MMS:E - Balancing follows a structured process consisting of three main steps: delivery of the Damas MMS:E platform, configuration and customization, and integration 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 Customization
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 sprint-based delivery for Litgrid, making it easy 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, tens of data flows are running in the Litgrid MMS, and we expect the total number of data flows in the complete solution to reach a hundred.
This comprehensive approach ensures that Damas MMS:E is effectively tailored to meet Litgrid's specific needs, enhancing its market operations and overall efficiency.
Results of Litgrid Project
The project was successfully launched, achieving the planned first and second go-live, meeting customers' needs, and passing all necessary tests. Two modules, Balancing Capacity Market and Transmission Settlement, have been released to production. Currently, the solution is in live operation, with further improvements and development for the upcoming go-lives still in progress.
