Hidroelectrica, a leading electricity producer in Romania, is set to accelerate the commissioning of its inaugural large-scale battery storage facility at the Crucea Nord wind farm. The 72 MWh lithium-ion energy storage system (BESS) is now projected to become operational by May 2026, nearly one year ahead of its initial timeline.
As of early 2026, construction on the project has achieved over 80% completion, significantly outpacing the originally planned two-year schedule. The BESS consists of nine battery units that collectively provide an output capacity of 36 MW and a total storage capacity of 72 MWh. All battery units were installed by December 2025, with development supported by partnerships with Prime Batteries and Enevo Group.
The implementation of this battery storage system is expected to enhance operational flexibility within the grid, facilitate network balancing, and mitigate internal imbalances at the wind farm. Additionally, it aims to improve turbine performance while reducing mechanical wear. Strategically, this project is poised to bolster the reliability of Romania’s electricity grid and promote greater integration of renewable energy sources into the national energy mix.
The contract for the lithium-ion battery system, valued at approximately €16 million (excluding VAT), was finalized in April 2025. This initiative marks a significant milestone for Hidroelectrica as it integrates this storage solution into the existing infrastructure of the 108 MW Crucea Nord wind farm. Currently, Hidroelectrica operates a total of 188 hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 6.4 GW, alongside other wind energy assets.
According to Transelectrica, Romania’s current installed battery storage capacity stands at 494 MW, translating to about 913 MWh. The addition of the Crucea Nord project underscores the increasing importance and role of energy storage solutions in enhancing the resilience and efficiency of Romania’s national energy system.
