Energy storage batteries are becoming a key element for balancing the national energy system, and their integration must be done strategically, in the areas with the greatest energy deficit, says Răzvan Copoiu, Deputy CEO of Enevo Group. In a context where renewable energy production is expanding rapidly, storage solutions are indispensable for maintaining a reliable and flexible system.
“It is clear to us that batteries and storage solutions are the future. The future looks very bright in this area. Batteries need to be integrated in such a way that they balance the energy infusion into the system,” said Copoiu, speaking at the conference “Stepping stones for the BESS technologies development”, organised by Energynomics.
Lately, more and more investors in photovoltaic power plants are also asking for storage batteries, Enevo Group notes. The demand is coming from both those who already have operational power plants and those developing new projects. “In the PV projects we realise for our customers, even those who already have them built have started coming to us saying: ‘We need to find a storage solution’.” And new ones are designed directly with this component included,” explains the Enevo Group representative.
This trend is essential in view of the national energy system development plans. Photovoltaic projects of up to 10,000 MW are expected to enter the grid in the coming years. But this fluctuating capacity requires balancing solutions to ensure continuity of power supply.
“If the sun goes out, the power goes out. You can’t compensate immediately with a gas turbine or a hydropower plant because they have high inertia. Batteries, on the other hand, can immediately provide the necessary power reserve,” emphasises Copoiu.
A national strategy for battery distribution
These solutions need to be implemented with a clear strategy, so that batteries are placed where they contribute most effectively to balancing the system. Experience from other European markets shows that the optimal distribution of storage units is essential for grid efficiency.
“We need to analyse, at the level of the national energy system, what the integration of batteries would mean and how they should be distributed in the country. Their installation should be encouraged in areas where they can best contribute to balancing the system,” explains Mr Copoiu.
Compared to the photovoltaic sector, where Western Europe is already mature, storage solutions are still in their infancy. However, Romania has a competitive advantage in this area and Enevo Group is trying to capitalise on this opportunity by promoting Romanian products.
“We have strong partnerships in this area and we are increasingly looking at foreign markets. Unlike in photovoltaics, where Western Europe is advanced, in batteries things are only just starting and we have a trump card to capitalise on,” says Copoiu.
Another crucial aspect for the future of batteries is their integration into a smart energy management system (EMS). Managing energy flows, integrating different sources (photovoltaic, hydro, wind) and cyber protection are key factors for a stable and secure system.
“Without a high-performance EMS, batteries don’t reach their full potential. This is why we also integrate the cyber security part, in line with the European NIS 2 directive. Any system that enters the electricity grid must be protected against cyber-attacks,” explains Mr Copoiu.
The future looks bright
As investment in renewables continues to grow, storage solutions will become indispensable for the stability of the energy system. Batteries are not only a technological solution, but also a strategic opportunity for Romania to become a major player in this emerging sector.
“The future looks very bright in the area of batteries. They will come together with photovoltaics to balance the energy infusion into the system. But the challenge is to manage this rapid growth in a safe and efficient way,” concludes Mr Copoiu.
The conference “Stepping stones for the BESS technologies development” was organised by Energynomics with the support of our partners: AJ Brand, Alive Capital, BCR, Big Store, Elektra Renewable Support, EnergoBit, Enery, Enevo Group, Enexus. EVOLVE Energy Management Solutions, Huawei, Nofar Energy, Photomate, Prime Batteries Technology, Pixii AS, Renomia Gallagher, smartPulse, SolarToday, SolaX Power, Think Blu Solution, Wiren, WTW Romania, YEO.