Energy storage, grid modernisation deployment vary across SEE – SeeNext

Varied speeds of development are reflected in the six countries’ commitments to install energy storage capacities as well as in earmarked investments for grid modernisation projects in the years up to 2030, according to the report titled Renewable Energy Industry in Southeast Europe: The Next Challenge.

All countries covered in the report comply with the EU’s 2030 target for 15% interconnection compared to installed power and have acknowledged the importance of enhancing interconnectivity, modernising existing grids and adding new lines. To this end, planned investments range between 800 million euro ($865.2 million) in Serbia and Croatia to over 5 billion euro in Greece, highlighting disparities that may threaten infrastructure stability at a regional level.

Most SEE countries have experience with energy storage via pumped storage hydropower facilities, with plans for the construction of more, leveraging the region's ample water resources. Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia have allocated significant investments for expanded capacities, including both pumped and battery storage, while Croatia, Slovenia, and Romania have either announced minimal investments or none at all.

However, the more ambitious energy storage projects have also encountered challenges. Bulgaria faces criticism from the European Commission for vague objectives and lacking specific timeframes. The country can aim for improvements in its newest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan. Greece already revised its plan, reducing energy storage targets while Serbia is mostly focused on pumped hydro storage.

In terms of newly installed capacities, solar emerged as the primary green energy source in all but one of the analysed countries. Wind dominated only in Croatia in 2022.

Greece and Romania led in installed renewable energy capacities, totalling 14 GW and 11.2 GW, respectively.

($=0.9246 euro)