Hidroelectrica, Romania’s leading electricity producer, is on track to complete its first significant battery storage facility at the Crucea Nord wind farm ahead of schedule. The 72 MWh lithium-ion energy storage system is now anticipated to become operational by May 2026, nearly a year earlier than initially planned.
The project has made remarkable progress, achieving over 80% completion by early 2026, significantly outpacing the original two-year timeline. The battery energy storage system (BESS) consists of nine battery units that collectively deliver 36 MW of output and provide 72 MWh of storage capacity. By December 2025, all units had been fully installed through a collaboration with Prime Batteries and Enevo Group.
The implementation of the Crucea Nord battery storage is expected to enhance the flexibility of the electricity system, support network balancing, reduce internal imbalances at the wind farm, improve turbine performance, and limit mechanical wear. This project is strategically significant as it aims to bolster Romania’s electricity grid reliability, facilitate the integration of renewable resources, and contribute to a more sustainable energy framework.
The contract for the lithium-ion battery was signed in April 2025, with an estimated value of approximately €16 million (excluding VAT). Integrated into the existing 108 MW Crucea Nord wind farm, this initiative represents a pivotal advancement for Hidroelectrica, which operates a total of 188 hydropower plants with an installed capacity of 6.4 GW, in addition to other wind assets.
As reported by Transelectrica, Romania currently boasts 494 MW of installed battery storage, translating to around 913 MWh. The addition of the Crucea Nord project underscores the growing importance of energy storage solutions within Romania’s national energy landscape.
