The Hungarian state-owned utility MVM is progressing with the development of a significant battery energy storage system at its gas-fired power plant located in Ajka. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing grid stability within the national electricity infrastructure.
Set to have a rated capacity of 57 MW, the battery storage facility is anticipated to be operational by the end of June. The total investment for this project surpasses €27 million, with approximately €10 million sourced from EU funding under Hungary’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, reflecting a commitment to bolster energy resilience through innovative technologies.
MVM has indicated that the new battery system will be capable of delivering full output within seconds. This rapid response capability is crucial for mitigating volatility in the electricity system, particularly in relation to fluctuations that arise from renewable energy sources, which are often influenced by weather conditions.
This development at Ajka follows a similar initiative at MVM’s Tiszaujvaros site, which also received partial EU funding. In addition to expanding its storage capabilities, MVM is planning a comprehensive enhancement of its conventional energy generation capacity, targeting an increase of 1,600 MW in new gas-fired electricity generation across Hungary over the next several years.
