Romania’s Electrica initiates 15 battery storage projects totalling 1 GWh

Romanian electricity distribution and supply company Electrica is actively pursuing permits for the construction of 15 battery energy storage systems (BESS), collectively targeting a capacity of approximately 1 GWh. These projects are integral to Electrica’s vision outlined in its 2030 Strategy, leveraging existing land assets to enhance grid resilience and flexibility.

According to Alexandru Chirița, CEO of Electrica, “Developing this 1 GWh storage infrastructure is a strategic pillar in Electrica’s transformation into a leader of the energy transition. By diversifying across 15 locations, we ensure not only operational resilience but also the ability to respond dynamically to fluctuations in consumption and production within the national energy system.”

These BESS initiatives aim to facilitate the efficient integration of renewable energy sources, mitigate price volatility, and reduce dependence on energy imports. Electrica is committed to an ambitious timeline, underscoring its capability to deliver large-scale projects that “redefine Romania’s approach to energy security for the coming decades”.

Earlier this year, Electrica launched a tender for the deployment of a 35 MW/70 MWh battery energy storage project located in Fântânele, Mureș County, central Romania.

In parallel, Hidroelectrica, another major Romanian utility, has committed to installing energy storage systems across all its run-of-river hydropower plants. This initiative aims to shift surplus daytime electricity to meet evening peak demand, further enhancing the stability and efficiency of Romania’s energy grid. In addition, it invested €16 million in a 36 MW/72 MWh battery energy storage project at the Crucea Nord Wind Farm and unveiled plans to install a 64 MW/ 256 MWh battery storage project at Porțile de Fier II (Iron Gates II) on the Danube – Romania’s second-largest hydropower plant.

Romania is emerging as a significant player in Europe’s energy storage landscape, with its storage capacity projected to reach approximately 2.2 GW by the end of next year. This growth is supported by substantial investments and strategic initiatives from both public and private sectors.

In January 2024, Romania allocated €80 million ($90.1 million) under its national recovery and resilience plan (PNRR) for energy storage projects, which is expected to result in contracts for a total of 1.8 GW of capacity.

In November 2024, the Ministry of Energy allocated €30 million in non-reimbursable support via PNRR for 791.48 MWh of battery energy storage. Once delivered, the five projects will see Romania meet 20% of its storage needs, according to the ministry’s announcement.

Another €300 was allocated from the Modernization Fund – €150 million each for this year and next year – and this is expected to deliver at least 3 GW of storage.

Simultaneously, a pivotal regulatory change is underpinning the surge in private sector investment in battery storage. In July 2025, Romania’s National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) enacted a significant reform by eliminating the double taxation of stored electricity. Previously, electricity stored in batteries and subsequently reinjected into the grid was subject to multiple tariffs, including transmission, distribution, system services, and green certificate fees. The new regulation exempts this electricity from these charges, effectively removing a substantial financial barrier for investors.