Battery energy storage projects in the Balkans: market activity and outlook

Battery energy storage projects advance across key markets

In Albania, a major new partnership has been agreed to deploy a 100 MW / 400 MWh battery energy storage system, split into two phases of 50 MW / 200 MWh each. The first phase is expected to reach commercial operation in 2026, with the second following in 2027, subject to final legislative approval. The project highlights increasing interest in large scale storage to support grid stability and renewable integration in a system traditionally dominated by hydropower.

In Romania, authorities have launched a €150 million programme aimed at accelerating the deployment of 385 MW of battery storage systems at the municipal level. This initiative underlines Romania’s strategic shift towards more resilient urban energy infrastructure and decarbonisation. By embedding storage within city level energy planning, municipalities aim to better manage demand peaks, support local renewable generation and improve distribution network flexibility.

Meanwhile, Serbia is seeing rapid progress in grid connection approvals for planned storage facilities. More than 2,021 MW and 5,899 MWh of battery energy storage projects are currently in the grid connection procedure. The pipeline includes both standalone systems and projects co located with renewable power plants, indicating strong developer interest and growing confidence in the market framework.

Further regional activity includes 245 MWh of battery storage projects planned in Croatia and Serbia, supported by European Union funding through national modernisation funds. Components of this programme will support both industrial and utility scale storage, including a 60 MW / 120 MWh system planned for installation at a Croatian rolling mill. These projects demonstrate how battery storage is increasingly being used to support industrial decarbonisation as well as grid services.

Policy signals and market support strengthen deployment

Across the region, policy and market frameworks are evolving to support the expansion of battery energy storage projects.

In Greece, competitive tenders continue to attract strong interest, with auction mechanisms designed to enhance grid flexibility and support renewable capacity expansion. Greece has already awarded hundreds of megawatts of standalone storage through successive national tenders, helping establish benchmarks for bankability and delivery.

In Bulgaria, long term support programmes under EU backed schemes are driving investment contracts for thousands of megawatt hours of battery storage capacity. These initiatives are preparing the market for significant additions by the mid 2030s and aim to align storage deployment with rapid solar growth while maintaining grid reliability.

At European level, energy storage is increasingly recognised as a critical flexibility resource for power systems, with policy direction and guidance outlined by the European Commission.

Outlook for battery storage across the Balkans

While deployment remains uneven across the Western Balkans, the overall outlook for battery energy storage projects in the Balkans remains positive. Countries are gradually adopting clearer regulatory frameworks and drawing lessons from more advanced markets such as Greece, Romania and Bulgaria.

Discussions at regional energy forums consistently highlight that battery storage will be essential for integrating variable renewable generation, reducing curtailment and smoothing wholesale price volatility. As electricity systems continue to evolve, flexible assets such as BESS are expected to play an increasingly important role in maintaining system balance.

As markets mature, battery energy storage projects in the Balkans are expected to move from early adoption towards scalable and bankable project pipelines. This evolution creates growing opportunities for developers, investors and technology providers, while supporting the transition towards cleaner, smarter and more resilient power systems across Southeast Europe.

Join the conversation at Balkan Battery Day

Battery energy storage projects in the Balkans will be a central theme at Balkan Battery Day, a dedicated event bringing together developers, investors, utilities, TSOs, regulators and technology providers active across Southeast Europe.

Participants will hear practical insights on project pipelines, tender structures, revenue models and grid integration, with a strong focus on the real world factors shaping storage investment decisions.

More information about the event is available at:
https://balkanbatteryday.com

Registration is open at:
https://balkanbatteryday.com/register