To meet the COP target of tripling renewable energy by 2030, global storage capacity needs to increase sixfold to over 1,500 GW, with battery storage accounting for 90% of this increase, according to the International Energy Agency. Complementary technologies such as pumped storage, compressed air and thermal storage will also play a role.
Battery energy storage systems in Romania
European Energy has 500 MW of renewable energy projects in Romania that have already obtained permits for grid connection and a total of 1.5 GW under development. Romania’s recently updated National Integrated Energy and Climate Change Plan (NIECC) for 2021–2030 has set ambitious targets, including the construction of 33.3 GW of solar PV capacity and 21.3 GW of wind capacity by 2050 and the installation of 1,200 MW / 2,400 MWh of battery storage by 2030 and 2 GW by 2035.
“We see great potential for the renewable energy sector in Romania, including for battery storage systems, but we will have to wait for the final approval of the Plan. Battery energy storage systems are essential for stabilizing energy grids as renewable sources grow. Their development in Romania, and beyond, requires not only technological progress, but also consistent regulatory support to ensure investor confidence and the successful scaling-up of large-scale projects. European Energy’s experience positions us as a key player in this transition,” says Ioannis Kalapodas, Head of European Energy’s Romania office.
As renewables increase the variability of grid-connected generation, reducing generation when the wind blows faster than expected is no longer the optimal solution. Battery energy storage systems offer a much more efficient and secure solution for grid stabilization.
“Energy storage systems make the energy system more secure, more flexible and reduce energy losses, ensuring a stable energy supply for households and businesses at a local level,” said Benedikt Fraitzl, Director, Interim Head of M&A and Project Finance, European Energy.
European Energy’s commitment to developing energy storage
“In October 2024, we installed our first operational battery project in Denmark, with over 6 GW of energy storage projects in development globally, including both integrated systems – hybrid projects with solar and wind farms – and standalone batteries. The total capacity of our renewable energy projects in various stages of construction is 1.1 GW in 9 countries, including Australia and the US, while projects under development reach 66 GW, of which 20% are in Europe,” the company said.
Batteries balance the grid by storing excess renewable energy and feeding it into the grid or directly into consumption when demand increases. This reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports, increases national energy security and accelerates the green transition.
“We focus on battery energy storage projects located close to electricity generation. Our financial models take into account the volatility of electricity prices, the regulatory framework, grid availability, technological conditions and revenue streams,” says Benedikt Fraitzl.
Regulatory challenges and market maturity
The development of battery storage systems depends on market maturity and regulatory stability. In some countries, frequent regulatory changes and grid access barriers hinder project development. In contrast, markets such as the UK and Denmark offer a stable framework, allowing for faster construction, increased storage capacity for the entire system and increased investor confidence.
“The biggest difference between the markets is the maturity of the regulations. In some countries we are still struggling for grid access, while in others, such as the UK or Denmark, the path is clear,” adds Benedikt Fraitzl.
Support schemes for battery storage systems in Europe remain a hot topic. Even though such schemes can provide a solid foundation for market growth, long-term success relies primarily on scaling up projects on a large scale, ensuring clear revenue streams, and adopting a stable regulatory framework.
