Powering the Future:SBEES Partners Gather in Klaipėda to Accelerate Electromobility

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The transition to electromobility is no longer a distant vision — it is happening now. Across Europe, regions are preparing for a future where electric vehicles dominate transport systems, bringing both opportunities and complex challenges. At the heart of this transformation is the South Baltic Electromobility Enabling Services (SBEES) project, where partners from Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Lithuania are working together to make this transition smarter, more efficient, and data-driven.

One of these key partners is Klaipėda University (KU), actively contributing to the development of digital services that will shape how cities and regions plan and manage the electrification of transport.

From Vision to Action: Partner Meeting in Klaipėda

On March 4–5, 2026, the SBEES partnership came together in Klaipėda for an intensive two-day meeting filled with collaboration, insights, and forward-looking discussions.

Building on progress since the last partner meeting in Gdańsk, the gathering focused on advancing the project’s core mission: developing a suite of digital tools that can support decision-makers in planning the large-scale rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure.

At KU, work is underway on several critical services, including:

• Digital mapping tools to identify where charging infrastructure is most needed

• Energy and storage mapping services to assess electricity demand and storage capacity

• Monitoring solutions to track usage of public and semi-public charging stations

• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) services, enabling electric vehicles to act as energy storage and support the grid during peak demand

Together, these tools will provide a powerful foundation for smarter, more resilient electromobility systems.

Seeing the Future Firsthand: Study Visit to Kautra

While digital tools are essential, seeing real-world implementation brings the transformation to life.

A highlight of the meeting was a study visit to the passenger transport company Kautra, where partners explored a charging infrastructure site currently under development in the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (FEZ).

Kautra, a key operator in the city’s public transport network, is taking significant steps toward electrification. The company is investing in infrastructure to support electric buses, including charging stations, service facilities, office spaces, and a bus depot with integrated washing systems — all expected to be operational in the near future.

Standing on-site, participants could clearly see the scale of change required. Electrifying transport is not just about vehicles — it demands new infrastructure, new planning approaches, and entirely new ways of thinking about energy use.

Insights from Experts: Rethinking Energy and Connectivity

The meeting also offered valuable perspectives from invited experts.

Dr. Vasilij Djackov presented the REFEST project, shedding light on innovative approaches to energy systems and their role in supporting sustainable transitions.

On the second day, Dr. Gintvilė Simokonienė delivered an inspiring presentation titled “The Art of Staying Connected: Rethinking Network Reliability.” Her talk highlighted a crucial but often overlooked aspect of electromobility: the need for robust, reliable digital and energy networks to support an increasingly electrified and connected transport system.

Collaboration in Action: Regional Planning Workshop

A dedicated workshop on regional planning for electromobility brought partners together to exchange ideas, challenges, and strategies.

As different countries in the South Baltic region are at varying stages of electrification, the discussion highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration. By sharing knowledge and aligning efforts, regions can accelerate progress and avoid costly missteps.

The workshop reinforced a key message: no single actor can drive this transformation alone. It requires coordinated action between public authorities, academia, and industry.

Moving Forward Together

The meeting concluded with discussions on upcoming milestones, future events, and the next steps in the SBEES journey.

As the project progresses, one thing is clear: the transition to electromobility will require not only technological innovation, but also strong collaboration, strategic planning, and a shared understanding of the challenges ahead.

Through its work, SBEES is helping to ensure that regions across the South Baltic are not just reacting to change — but actively shaping the future of sustainable transport.Kosterögatan 15211 24, Malm