PPC and Metlen Forge 1.5 GW Regional Battery Storage Alliance
In a major move to solidify their dominance in the Southeast European energy transition, Greece-based PPC Group and Metlen Energy and Metals (formerly Mytilineos) have entered into a strategic joint venture. The agreement aims to develop, construct, and operate a massive portfolio of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) totaling 1.5 GW in power capacity and 3 GWh in energy storage across Romania, Bulgaria, and Italy.
Fast-Tracking Storage Infrastructure
The partnership is designed for rapid deployment, with both companies targeting the completion of 1 GW of capacity within just 12 months. This aggressive timeline underscores the urgency of integrating flexible assets into regional grids to manage the influx of intermittent renewables.
The technical specifications of the portfolio focus on high-efficiency, utility-scale technology:
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Total Capacity: 1.5 GW / 3 GWh (representing two-hour duration systems).
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Technology: Liquid-cooled Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries.
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Asset Management: The venture will be equally owned (50/50), leveraging PPC’s regional market presence and Metlen’s specialized EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) expertise.
Synergy Beyond Solar
This deal follows a landmark 2024 agreement between the two entities, which saw them collaborate on a 2 GW solar pipeline across Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia. While that previous arrangement focused on an “at-completion” acquisition model by PPC, this new BESS venture creates a deeper operational partnership.
The storage facilities are intended to perform two critical functions:
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Renewable Support: Balancing the output of adjacent photovoltaic and wind farms.
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Grid Stability: Providing essential ancillary services to national electricity systems to prevent frequency fluctuations.
Strategic Implications for Southeast Europe
For the government-controlled PPC Group, this alliance secures a significant portion of its three-year energy storage targets. For Metlen, the deal represents a pivotal milestone in its broader European strategy, positioning the firm as a leading player in the continent’s storage infrastructure sector.
“This agreement creates value for both parties and further expands our group’s already significant presence in Southeast Europe,” noted Konstantinos Mavros, PPC Group’s Deputy CEO for Renewables.
As the Balkan and Mediterranean markets continue to decarbonize, the rapid commissioning of these 3 GWh of storage capacity is expected to be a cornerstone for regional energy security and market liquidity.
