PPC Group and METLEN Energy & Metals have agreed to establish a joint venture to develop battery energy storage projects across Romania, Bulgaria and Italy with a combined capacity of up to 1,500MW/3,000MWh.
The companies will each hold a 50% stake in the venture, which will be responsible for developing, constructing and operating the storage facilities, PPC said.
Around 1,000MW of the planned capacity is expected to be deployed within the next 12 months.
The projects will use two-hour liquid-cooled battery systems based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. The companies said the storage facilities will support nearby solar and wind farms by storing excess electricity and supplying it back to the grid when renewable output falls.
The battery systems are also expected to help stabilise electricity networks and improve the management of renewable generation.
Konstantinos Mavros, deputy chief executive for renewables at PPC Group, said the agreement strengthens the company’s position in Southeast Europe.
“This agreement creates value for both parties and further expands our Group’s already significant presence in Southeast Europe,” Mavros said.
He added that the projects will help optimise renewable power generation and enhance system reliability.
“At the same time, the energy storage projects already under implementation will ensure the optimal use of electricity generation from Renewable Energy Sources and, additionally, the stability of the electricity system in our country and across the entire European continent,” he said.
Nikos Papapetrou, chief executive director of the renewables, storage and energy transition platform at METLEN, said the partnership aligns with the company’s strategy to support Europe’s energy transition.
“By combining METLEN’s international experience and expertise in the development, construction and operation of energy projects with PPC’s strong presence and footprint in regional markets, we demonstrate in practice that energy storage is a catalyst for maximizing the value of Renewable Energy Sources and ensuring the reliability of power systems,” Papapetrou said.
