First battery energy storage systems enter Greek electricity market

The Hellenic Energy Exchange – HEnEx introduced the first battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the day-ahead and intraday markets. The two facilities of 16.7 MW in total are benefiting from government support, won at auctions.

Following a lengthy legislative conundrum, Greece’s first battery energy storage systems entered the grid. EnExGroup said it integrated them into the day-ahead and intraday markets on the Hellenic Energy Exchange – HEnEx. Energypress reported April 1 was the first delivery day, with 44 MWh scheduled overall. There are two systems, operated by Energeiaki Techniki, the article adds.

They are now in a trial run, which lasts between two and six months, the news outlet learned.

Both battery systems have CfDs from Greek auctions

Energeiaki techniki has won ten-year contracts for difference (CfDs) and grants for both BESS facilities.

Petra, of just 7.8 MW in operating power and a capacity of 15.6 MWh, is among the beneficiaries from the first battery auction. The site is in Kozani. Dokos in Komotini, of 8.9 MW and 17.8 MWh, respectively, became eligible for state aid in the second round.

Ktistor was the contractor and Rener Energy provided the energy management systems for the two projects, while StorageGate is their aggregator.

The capability will be gradually increased, like with new gas power plants, according to the update. Under test operation, BESS isn’t subjected to deviation costs, it reads.

Faria, Motor Oil, Principia have BESS facilities ready to go online

There is apparently 300 MW more of battery power already built in Greece and waiting for launch, mostly from the first two tenders. The report adds that Faria Renewables, together with Principia and Motor Oil, is expected to get their BESS facilities online by the end of April.

Also of note, project company M Star recently received an approval of environmental conditions – AEPO – from the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The firm is planning a 266.4 MW lithium ion battery storage station in Domokos, northwest of Athens.

The project involves 84 inverters. The BESS would have a two-hour usable duration, translating to 532.8 MWh. Shanghai Electric Power holds 70% of M Star, through a subsidiary in Malta. Solar Bright, registered in Cyprus, holds the rest.