Hidroelectrica installs its first energy storage system

Romanian Hidroelectrica has signed a contract with a consortium formed by Prime Batteries Technology and Enevo Group to install a lithium-ion battery energy storage system at its 108-megawatt (MW) Crucea Nord wind farm.

The main goal of the project is to reduce internal grid imbalances, provide balancing services for the Romanian power system, improve turbine performance, and reduce wear and tear on their mechanical parts.

According to the timeline, permits are expected to be obtained within two months of the contract signing, followed by six months for the production of equipment and materials. After that, site preparation, system installation and integration, and technical testing will follow. The system is expected to be fully operational within 12 months.

The contractual value of the project is approximately 80 million lei (about 16 million euros). The storage system will have a power output of 36 MW and an energy storage capacity of 72 megawatt-hours (MWh).

“This is Hidroelectrica’s first energy storage project and a milestone in our efforts to develop innovative storage solutions,” said Károly Borbély, CEO of Hidroelectrica. “The project will enhance the efficiency of the Crucea wind farm, support the balancing of the national power system and increase operational efficiency. The system is more than 80 per cent locally produced and is of notable importance for Hidroelectrica, including for the projects we are carrying out in the consolidation process of the companies in the Group, namely UCMH Reșița and Hidroserv.”