Romanian power distributor Electrica to build 15 battery systems totaling 1 GWh

Romanian power supplier and distributor Electrica has initiated a permitting procedure for the construction of 15 battery energy storage parks, with a combined capacity of about 1 GWh, aimed at providing flexibility to the national grid and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.

The battery energy storage systems (BESS) would boost Electrica’s ability to respond dynamically to fluctuations in consumption and production within the national energy system. It should also enable the efficient integration of growing renewable capacities in Romania, significantly reducing price volatility and dependence on imports, according to a press release from Electrica.

Electrica’s new battery capacity is expected to reduce price volatility and dependence on energy imports

“Developing this 1 GWh storage infrastructure is a strategic pillar in Electrica’s transformation into a leader of the energy transition,” the company said, adding that the battery systems would be built on Electrica’s own land, leveraging assets from its existing portfolio.

“This project is not just about technology or capacity; it is about redefining how Romania manages energy security for the decades ahead,” said Alexandru Chirița, Electrica’s CEO. He also stated that the timeline for the project was “ambitious,” according to the press release.

The BESS capacities will be distributed across Romania

The project, part of Electrica’s 2030 strategy, will be developed in phases, with BESS installations distributed across Romania. The first phase is expected to bring a significant portion of the storage capacity online already in 2025, according to a report by PVknowhow.com.

Battery energy storage is on track to become another pillar of Romania’s energy transition, as investors increasingly develop BESS capacities combined with solar, hydropower, and wind, or as standalone energy storage facilities.

Romania is supporting BESS projects for renewables integration with subsidies provided from its national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP). In September last year, the Ministry of Energy awarded grants to 13 projects.