Groundbreaking for Hidroelectrica: First Energy Storage Project with Li-ion Batteries
Hidroelectrica has recently signed a contract with Prime Batteries Technology and Enevo Group for the purchase of a Li-ion battery storage facility in the Crucea Nord Wind Farm.
The main purpose of the investment is to reduce the internal imbalances at the wind farm in Hidroelectrica’s portfolio, to provide balancing services to the national energy system, to improve the performance of wind turbines and to decrease the wear and tear of the electromechanical systems of the turbines.
The preliminary timetable for the realization of the works involves the realization of the permits and agreements in the next two months from the date of signing the contract, followed by the manufacturing process of equipment and materials in the next six months, the handover of the site, the site organization, the installation and integration works of the storage facility and technical tests. According to the contract, the commissioning process is planned over 12 months from the signing date.
The price of the contract is RON 79,832,242.00 excluding VAT, and after commissioning of the storage facility, the rated output of the facility will be 36 MW, with a rated storage capacity (energy) of 72 MWh.
“This is the first storage project for Hidroelectrica and it represents a success in our efforts to develop the area of innovation and storage. The realization of the project will help us to streamline the activity of the Crucea wind farm, to be able to carry out specific activities for balancing the national energy system, to increase the operational efficiency and, of course, the efficiency of the wind farm. The product has a local component of at least 80% and a significant importance for Hidroelectrica, including for the projects that we are carrying out in the process of consolidation of the Group companies, namely UCMH Resita and Hidroserv,” Kàroly Borbèly, CEO of Hidroelectrica, said.
“Stability and predictability are some of the most important words in the energy system today. In this respect, this investment in battery storage capacity at Crucea paves the way for a new way of operating and streamlining production at Crucea Nord wind farm. We will be able in a relatively short time to produce more, more efficiently and more stably, while being able to provide services to the national system through this capacity. Today we are not only starting an investment project, but we are taking an important step towards the next phases of development for the Crucea Nord Wind Farm and beyond,” Marius Vintila, Wind Constanta Branch Manager, added.
“The project to implement the 72MWh storage facility within the Crucea Nord Wind Farm is a strategic one for the members of our Association, both from the perspective that the beneficiary is Hidroelectrica, the largest energy producer and system service provider in Romania, but also because storage is a natural development direction for the energy sector – a direction to which we are ready and willing to contribute. The project has a local component of over 80% and we hope it can become an example and, why not, a standard for other similar works in Romania. We are proud that through the competitive technical solutions we propose we can be part of this innovative project, which paves the way for the use of storage solutions together with large renewable power plants and which will contribute to the adaptability and resilience of the National Energy System,” Radu Brasoveanu, Administrator of Enevo Group, noted.
“This partnership with Hidroelectrica confirms our confidence in the technological expertise developed by Prime Batteries and marks a defining moment for Romania’s energy transition. We are honoured to contribute with advanced, locally produced storage solutions to a project that sets a new standard for sustainability and energy independence,” Vicentiu Ciobanu, CEO Prime Batteries Technology, said.
This investment marks a first for the company, as it is the first Li-ion battery energy storage project implemented by Hidroelectrica. With this procurement, the company takes an important step towards streamlining its resources, diversifying its portfolio, offering complex services by accessing modern technologies in the field.
The company thus reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of renewable energies and the modernization of production infrastructure, in line with the national strategy of transition to a green and sustainable economy.
Hidroelectrica owns and operates the Crucea Nord Wind Farm with an installed capacity of 108MW, the power plant being in operation since 2014.
Hidroelectrica is the largest green energy producer in Romania and provides technological services essential for the National Energy System. The company operates 188 power plants with a hydropower capacity of 6.4GW and, in addition, it owns a wind farm in Crucea, with an installed power of 108 MW.
About Enevo Group
Enevo is a Romanian company specialized in electrical engineering and automation systems for the energy sector. Enevo Group was established in 2014 with the mission to become the partner of large utilities in energy, digitalization and cybersecurity. The company’s main objective is to continuously develop innovative solutions that bring added value in the energy sector.
About Prime Batteries Technology
Prime Batteries Technology is one of the leading manufacturers of energy storage solutions in the European Union, having been founded in 2016.
With over 37 years of cumulative experience in the Li-ion battery business, Prime is focused on adding value in the energy storage solutions industry.
By implementing appropriate policies and regulations, the company contributes to achieving the ambitious decarbonization targets set by the European Commission.
Prime aims to actively contribute to a sustainable future.
