Battery energy storage systems gain momentum across the Balkans
15 January, 2026
Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS, are rapidly moving from concept to reality across the region. BESS in the Balkans is now a central topic for governments, utilities, investors and developers as power systems adapt to higher renewable penetration, grid congestion and coal phase out pressures. With policy support increasing and project pipelines emerging, the region is entering a decisive phase for battery deployment.
Over the past two years, battery energy storage in the Balkans has shifted from isolated pilot projects to a recognised pillar of national energy strategies. Countries such as Greece and Romania are already awarding tenders and attracting private capital, while others including Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia are laying the regulatory and grid foundations for large scale storage.
BESS in the Balkans: market drivers and policy momentum
Several structural drivers are accelerating battery deployment across the region. Rapid growth in solar and wind capacity is creating imbalance and curtailment risks, particularly in systems with limited interconnection or ageing infrastructure. BESS offers fast responding flexibility, frequency control and peak shifting, helping system operators maintain stability while enabling further renewable build out.
Greece currently leads the region, supported by government backed tenders and a growing merchant storage market enabled by ancillary service revenues. Romania follows closely, driven by grid congestion, EU funding and rising interest from international investors. Bulgaria has focused on large energy capacity procurements, while Croatia and Slovenia are integrating storage into broader grid modernisation programmes.
At European level, battery storage is increasingly recognised as a critical flexibility resource, with guidance and policy direction set out by organisations such as the European Commission and ENTSO E.
In the Western Balkans, BESS is increasingly linked to coal exit strategies and security of supply objectives. Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro are exploring battery storage as a way to support solar expansion while reducing reliance on inflexible thermal assets. Albania, traditionally hydro dominated, is assessing BESS to manage dry year risk and seasonal variability.
From targets to projects
While policy targets are an important signal, the real test for BESS deployment in the Balkans lies in delivery. Key challenges remain around permitting clarity, grid connection timelines, market access rules and bankability. Revenue stacking models are still evolving, with many projects combining ancillary services, wholesale market participation and, in some cases, capacity or availability payments.
Encouragingly, lenders and investors are becoming more comfortable with the region as regulatory frameworks mature. EU funding mechanisms, national recovery plans and development finance institutions are playing a catalytic role, particularly for first of a kind projects that help establish benchmarks for future transactions.
A regional storage market coming of age
What distinguishes the current phase is coordination and knowledge sharing across markets. Developers active in multiple countries are applying lessons learned from Greece and Romania to newer markets such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo. Technology providers are tailoring solutions to smaller grids, while TSOs are refining technical requirements for storage participation.
As regulatory certainty improves and early projects reach operation, battery energy storage in the Balkans is expected to move quickly from early adoption to scaled deployment. For companies across the battery value chain, the region represents one of Europe’s most dynamic emerging storage markets, combining complexity with significant long term opportunity.
With policy alignment strengthening and commercial models maturing, battery energy storage is set to become a core component of Southeast Europe’s energy transition rather than a niche technology on the sidelines.
Join the conversation at Balkan Battery Day
Topics such as battery energy storage deployment, market design, grid integration and regional investment trends will be central themes at Balkan Battery Day, a dedicated conference focused on energy storage solutions across Southeast Europe.
The event brings together policymakers, system operators, developers, investors and technology providers active across the Balkans and neighbouring markets, including Greece and Romania.
Participants will hear updates on national storage strategies, tender activity, regulatory developments and emerging commercial models shaping the regional battery market.
More information about the event is available at:
https://balkanbatteryday.com
Registration is open at:
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