Romanian giant Hidroelectrica Energy Storage has taken a major step toward modernizing its renewable energy infrastructure with the launch of its first energy storage project. The company has signed a contract with Prime Batteries Technology and Enevo Group for the installation of a lithium-ion battery energy storage system at the Crucea Nord Wind Farm. The project, valued at nearly RON 80 million (excluding VAT), aims to enhance the wind farm’s operational stability, improve energy efficiency, and contribute balancing services to Romania’s national energy system.
Scheduled to be commissioned within 12 months of contract signing, the facility will offer a rated output of 36 MW and an energy storage capacity of 72 MWh. The project not only addresses fluctuations in wind power production but also helps reduce mechanical wear on the wind turbines by improving performance consistency.
Strategic Benefits and Local Integration
Hidroelectrica CEO Kàroly Borbély emphasized that the initiative is a significant achievement in the company’s push toward innovation and energy storage. “This project will optimize the operations of the Crucea wind farm, enhance system balancing capabilities, and improve overall efficiency,” he said. With over 80% of the components sourced locally, the project also supports the consolidation of Hidroelectrica’s broader corporate ecosystem, including companies like UCMH Resita and Hidroserv.
Marius Vintila, Branch Manager at Wind Constanța, highlighted the operational advantages of the battery system. “With this storage facility, Crucea Nord will not only produce more energy but do so more reliably,” he stated. The new capability enables the wind farm to deliver a more consistent output and provide valuable services to the national energy grid.
A Model for Romania’s Green Energy Future
The partnership has been hailed as a strategic benchmark for Romania’s energy transition. Radu Brașoveanu, Administrator at Enevo Group, said the collaboration with Hidroelectrica energy storage is pivotal for the energy sector’s evolution. “This project demonstrates how energy storage can support large-scale renewable plants and build resilience into the national grid,” he explained, adding that the competitive, locally developed solutions involved could become a standard for future projects in Romania.
Vicențiu Ciobanu, CEO of Prime Batteries Technology, echoed this sentiment, describing the initiative as a defining moment for Romania’s journey toward energy independence. “We are proud to contribute to a project that merges sustainability with innovation through advanced, locally produced storage systems,” he noted.
Hidroelectrica energy storage venture into energy storage reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and technological advancement. By integrating modern storage solutions into its wind farm operations, the company aligns with Romania’s national strategy for a green economy and renewable energy development. Operating since 2014, the Crucea Nord Wind Farm, with a capacity of 108 MW, will now become a testing ground for next-generation energy solutions that may shape the future of the country’s power infrastructure.
