Romania Allocates EUR 150 Million for Standalone Battery Energy Storage Development
Romania has taken a significant step forward in bolstering its energy infrastructure by allocating EUR 150 million for standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS). This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Energy, marks a critical investment under the Modernization Fund to enhance the country’s renewable energy storage capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Program:
- Funding and Scope:
- The program is dedicated to standalone battery energy storage systems, independent of existing renewable energy facilities.
- Total allocation: EUR 150 million.
- Selection will be based on a competitive bidding process, where the sole criterion is the value of requested state aid in EUR/MWh.
- Eligibility:
- Open to microenterprises, SMEs, large enterprises, and autonomous authorities.
- Eligible entities must be legally established in Romania or another EU member state and registered with the National Trade Register Office before receiving state aid.
- Objective:
- Promote investments in energy storage to support renewable energy integration (solar, wind, hydro).
- Ensure standalone operational capabilities of these storage systems.
- Submission Process:
- Project proposals for constructing these storage facilities will be announced on the Ministry’s website: www.energie.gov.ro.
- Deadline for comments on the scheme: February 17, 2025.
Romania’s Broader Energy Goals:
- Minister Sebastian Burduja highlighted energy storage as a top priority, aiming to increase energy security and reduce reliance on Russian energy resources.
- Romania has attracted EUR 14 billion in non-refundable financing for various energy projects.
- The national target includes 1,000 MW of battery storage within the next two years, supported by investments under the national recovery and resilience plan (PNRR).
Recent Developments in Energy Storage:
- An EUR 80 million allocation under the PNRR focuses on energy storage projects, targeting 1.8 GW of capacity.
- In November 2024, Romania launched a similar EUR 150 million program for behind-the-meter storage systems integrated with renewable energy sources.
Strategic Importance:
Minister Burduja emphasized that investments in battery storage not only secure Romania’s energy future but also align with European efforts to eliminate reliance on Moscow’s energy resources. Projects like Tarnița-Lăpuștești, a previously dormant initiative, have been revitalized to achieve these goals.
This funding marks another milestone in Romania’s push towards sustainable energy infrastructure, setting an ambitious path for renewable energy integration and energy independence.