As Romania sees an increasing number of renewable energy projects, with tens of gigawatts of potential projects entering the grid, the focus is shifting to grid security and optimization. While the growth of renewable energy is a promising step towards sustainability, it also brings new challenges that need careful management, particularly regarding the integration of energy storage, stated Dor Marian, Founder of Wiren, at the conference “International Approach: Catalyzing Romania’s energy future”, organised by Energynomics in London.
Marian emphasizes the importance of addressing security concerns in the face of rapid energy development. One potential solution, already being explored in some countries, is having the Public Service Operator (PSO) oversee the operation of energy storage systems. This framework would ensure the necessary security measures are in place, though it may come at an additional cost. Marian believes that, given the high financial returns available in energy storage, these extra costs should not be a problem to overcome, as long as they contribute to securing the grid and ensuring stable energy supply.
“We need to think about security, and one option being applied in some countries is having the PSO operate the batteries or create the necessary framework to ensure security. While this will come with a cost, given the high financial yields available today, I believe covering the extra expenses to ensure secure plant operation will not be a problem,” Marian said.
In the next two years, Wiren plans to build around 1 GW of storage capacity and while technological advancements in battery performance and pricing are driving much of the progress, optimizing each storage project from an engineering and environmental perspective is equally crucial. For example, in one of their upcoming projects, Wiren is considering using 100% recyclable screw piles for the foundation instead of concrete, which will reduce the environmental impact over the long term.
On the other hand, as more renewable energy projects come online, the volatility of the grid will increase, making energy storage even more essential. However, battery storage operators are not entering the market to make quick profits. Instead, the goal is to support the grid, especially as renewable energy production continues to rise.
Marian believes that Romania’s energy future involves a strategic approach to energy storage, one that balances technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and grid security. While the renewable energy sector continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that the supporting infrastructure, particularly energy storage, is developed responsibly and efficiently to meet the country’s long-term energy needs.
The conference “International Approach: Catalyzing Romania’s energy future” was organised by Energynomics in London with the support of our partners AJ Brand, Elektra Renewable Support, Adrem Asset Management, Enexus, Nofar Energy, Parapet, Wiren.