Romania approves 669 MW of battery storage and ten-year grid expansion plan

New storage approvals

On 3 September 2026, the regulatory committee of Romania's National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) approved establishment permits for energy projects totaling approximately 811 MW. Battery storage systems accounted for over 80% of the authorized capacity, representing 669 MW. This volume divides into roughly 429 MW across independent stand-alone facilities and 240 MW in storage units coupled with other generation assets. The remaining capacity in the permit package comprises 89 MW of photovoltaic solar installations and 53 MW of wind generation. In addition, ANRE granted commercial operating licenses for 204 MW of completed capacities, which included 70.1 MW of battery storage systems.

Regional storage capacity

The approved 669 MW equals 61.7% of Romania's operational battery storage power, which stood at 1,084.72 MW and 2,310 MWh on 1 September 2026. When operating simultaneously at full output, the existing battery fleet can supply power for slightly more than two hours. Romania continues to trail Bulgaria, where installed storage reached approximately 3,318 MW and over 8,600 MWh by May 2026, according to data from Ember. In the absence of sufficient domestic balancing assets, Romania frequently exports lower-priced electricity during midday hours and relies on expensive imports during evening peak consumption periods. State hydro generator Hidroelectrica controls roughly 80% of national balancing services, recording 6 billion lei in revenue and 2.57 billion lei in net profit during the first half of the year.

Ten-year grid investment plan

ANRE also approved Transelectrica's transmission network development plan spanning 2026 through 2035. The approved program outlines 117 individual investment projects, including 25 entirely new infrastructure installations. Planned upgrades focus on modernizing electrical substations and power lines, completing the national 400 kV ring, expanding transport capacity, and deploying digital network controls. While establishment permits represent the final administrative milestone prior to construction, ANRE noted that several completed facilities still await connection certificates from grid operators before entering commercial service.

We approved a plan that is not just a list of investments, but a commitment to prepare the Romanian transmission grid for the energy economy of the next decade. The objectives are more renewable production, more storage, and fewer bottlenecks in the system.

Acceleration of cross-border links

ANRE mandated that Transelectrica present an acceleration program within 30 days for unfinished projects that expand cross-border power exchanges with Hungary and Bulgaria. Romania's interconnection degree reached 18.5% in 2024, surpassing the European Union benchmark of 15%. However, ANRE's 2025 monitoring report showed that available cross-border trading capacity has not met the target of 70% of critical network element capacity along the Hungarian and Bulgarian borders. The acceleration schedule will be reviewed on a quarterly basis and will examine the deployment of dynamic line rating systems and high-temperature low-sag conductors to maximize transfer capabilities.

Romania has exceeded the European target related to the degree of interconnection, but recent lessons show us how important interconnection capacity is to overcome delicate moments for the National Energy System, such as those where a higher volume of electricity imports is temporarily needed. Thus, the objective must not be just the EU target, but as much cross-border capacity as possible.