January 8, 2026
by in News

After adding PV unit, Slovenian gas power plant TEB launches battery project

The management of the Brestanica gas power plant in Slovenia has decided to diversify its activities by installing a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 40 MW in operating power and 80 MWh in capacity. The project follows the construction of a ground-mounted solar power plant on the facility’s premises and photovoltaic units on roofs and a parking canopy.

Brestanica Thermal Power Plant – Termoelektrarna Brestanica (TEB) is contributing to the flexibility of Slovenia’s energy system with its investments, Naš stik reported. Due to preventive maintenance and rapid response, electricity output reached 35 GWh in 2025, compared to the planned 25 GWh, the report adds.

The firm issued its development strategy for 2025 to 2030 last year and, based on it, decided to launch a project for a two-hour 40 MW battery energy storage system. It translates to 80 MWh in capacity.

The project will strengthen the flexibility of the energy system, enable more efficient integration of renewable sources and confirm TEB’s focus on modern and sustainable solutions, the article adds. “With the investment in the battery storage facility, we are laying the foundations for a reliable and flexible energy future,” Brestanica Thermal Power Plant said.

Among the other priorities for this year are corporate and cybersecurity.

Brestanica Thermal Power Plant is part of state-owned GEN Group. GEN energija, their parent company, operates the Krško nuclear power plant, also known by the acronym NEK and, in Slovenian, JEK. The gas power plant is also in the municipality of Krško, near Slovenia’s border with Croatia.

TEB put into operation a ground-mounted 466 kW solar power plant on its premises last year. Before that, in 2009 and 2010, the gas plant’s operator built two rooftop PV units and one on a parking canopy. They have 170 kW in combined peak capacity.

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January 8, 2026
by in News

D.Trading to offtake 200 MW of solar in PPA with Econergy in Romania

D.Trading, the pan-European trading arm of DTEK Group, signed a renewable electricity offtake deal for 200 MW of installed solar power capacity in Romania with renewable energy developer and operator Econergy. The power purchase agreement (PPA) includes the country’s largest photovoltaic plant.

D.Trading announced that it would purchase electricity from solar power plants Rătești and Părău in Romania. The deal for Econergy’s assets is for 200 MW. The PPA reflects growing market demand for structured renewable offtake products and marks an important milestone in the commercialisation of the two photovoltaic facilities, the announcement adds.

“Partnering with leading companies such as Econergy supports our long-term strategy of expanding renewable energy integration across the region. This agreement strengthens our green power portfolio and represents another step more towards becoming the leading provider of solutions for renewable assets and battery storage in Eastern Europe,” said Head of D.Trading Power Desk EU Stanislav Dudka.

The company operates in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. D.Trading is the pan-European trading arm of DTEK Group, which also owns DRI.

Econergy is planning to add a 120 MW battery energy storage system to its Rătești solar power plant

As Romania’s power market continues to evolve, shaped by price volatility, regulatory development, and the growing need for flexible solutions to support grid stability, Econergy has successfully executed multiple bankable commercial agreements, the update reads.

Rătești, Romania’s largest solar power plant, was completed in late 2023. The facility northwest of Bucharest, in Argeș county, has 155 MW in peak capacity. Econergy is planning to add a 120 MW battery energy storage system.

Părău was commissioned in late 2024. The PV plant of 92 MW is in Brașov county in the central part of Romania.

The Părău 2 project is for 342 MW, together with 150 MW of battery storage. It won a 15-year contract for difference (CfD) at the country’s first round of renewable energy auctions.

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January 7, 2026
by in News

Electrica issues call for contractors for large PV parks in Romania

Romanian electricity supplier and distributor Electrica, in which the government holds almost 50%, published tenders via its subsidiaries for the second time for ready-to-build solar power projects. The peak capacities are 62.5 MW and 77.6 MW, and the second investment also involves battery storage. The company launched production in November at its Satu Mare 2 solar power plant, also known as Sunwind, of 27 MW.

Companies with the most advantageous offers from the technical and economic point of view will get the contracts for the construction of photovoltaic systems Satu Mare 3 and Bihor 1. Electrica, the investor, issued both calls a year ago, but canceled them in the meantime.

The Romanian Government owns 49.8% of the company, a power supplier and distributor, which also invests in renewables.

Electrica’s subsidiary New Trend Energy is responsible for the Satu Mare 3 project, of 62.5 MW in peak capacity. It is located in the commune of Doba in the Satu Mare county in the northwest. Inverters would enable the delivery of 57.9 MW to the grid.

The investment is estimated at RON 176.6 million (EUR 34.7 million) excluding value-added tax. Electrica expects to generate 70.2 MWh per annum. The deadline for applications is February 17.

BESS project is for 16.5 MWh in capacity and a 4 MW in operating power

Foton Power Energy, another subsidiary of Electrica, is seeking a contractor for a turnkey deal for Bihor 1. The PV plant would have 77.6 MW in peak capacity, and 77.4 MW in alternating current terms. It would consist of Trina’s bifacial solar panels of 595 W each.

The selected company will need to build a battery energy storage system as well, together with a transformer and fences, according to the document.

Both projects, with sites in northwestern Romania, have won subsidies from the Modernisation Fund

The BESS project is for 16.5 MWh in capacity and a 4 MW in operating power, earlier documents show. It would consist of eight Huawei units with a nominal size of 2.06 MWh each, the special purpose vehicle said. The project envisages the possibility of expansion of the battery storage facility to 75 MW and 150 MWh.

Total expected annual output amounts to 87.5 GWh. Foton Power Energy estimated the project at RON 220 million without VAT, which is EUR 43.2 million. Its site is in the communes of Cefa and Mădăraș in Bihor county, also in Romania’s northwest. Interested firms can submit bids by February 12.

Both Satu Mare 3 and Bihor 1 received state support via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.

Electrica completed its third PV plant last month

In November, the company completed its Satu Mare 2 solar farm of 27 MW in peak capacity. The project firm is called Sunwind Energy. Electrica also operates PV plants Stănești and Vuturul with peak capacities at 7.5 MW and 12 MW, respectively.

The Crucea Est wind power project, worth eur 253 million, is for up to 138 MW and a BESS of 15 MW and 60 MWh.

In the report on the first nine months of 2025, Electrica wrote that it was developing four energy storage projects of 169.5 MWh altogether. In mid-October it initiated the procedures for 15 BESS facilities of 1 GWh in total.

Before that, in early September, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Romgaz on the development of 400 MW in solar and storage. Electrica would be the main partner and the other company would hold a minority interest.

The projects are financed from a green bond issuance, which was the largest in Romania.

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January 7, 2026
by in News

China completes grid connection of world’s largest open sea PV plant

CHN Energy declared a 1 GW solar power system that it built off the coast of China’s Shandong province, on the open sea, fully connected to the grid. The facility consists of steel truss platforms on bottom-fixed piles. Just in the past month, the state-owned company commissioned solar power plants of 600 MW and 425 MW, a coal power station of 4 GW and China’s largest gas power unit.

China continues to dominate the energy realm with the world’s largest projects and innovative design. The latest example, on the open sea, is eight kilometers from Kenli district in the city of Dongying in the country’s east. It is a giant solar power plant, but not a floating one.

The Shandong Dongying Kenli (Guohua HG14) facility is on steel truss platforms on bottom-fixed piles. China Energy Investment Corp., also known as CHN Energy, declared the photovoltaic system fully connected to the grid. The initial project of the state-owned enterprise was for 1 GW.

China State Construction Engineering Corp. (CSCEC) so far installed 930 platforms out of 2,934 planned. Each is on four piles, at water depth of one to four meters.

The project on the open sea off Shandong province spans 1,223 hectares. Its developer is CHN Energy’s subsidiary Guohua Energy Investment Co.

Project involves 100 MW in battery storage

According to the latest reports, Guohua HG14 consists of bifacial double-glass modules of 710 W and the annual output, when the facility is completed, is estimated at 1.78 TWh. In earlier updates, 2.37 million monocrystalline solar panels of 550 W each were planned, translating to 1.3 GW in peak capacity. Total investment was valued at CNY 8.1 billion (USD 1.16 billion).

The company reportedly switched to stronger, bifacial solar modules for the project offshore Dongying

The offshore solar power plant on the open sea is connected to the mainland grid with a 66 kV cable. Its first segment came online in November 2024. The project involves a battery energy storage system of 100 MW in capability and 200 MWh in capacity.

Giant solar plant comes online at altitude of 3,000 meters

Just in the past month, CHN Energy commissioned several landmark facilities. A new 600 MW solar power plant is in the Xinjiang province in the west, in Qitai county, near the border with Mongolia.

The company completed another PV system, of 425 MW, via Qinghai Gonghe Co. Part of a 1 GW project with storage, called Guoneng Canadian Solar Hainan, it is located in Gonghe county in Qinghai Province. It is at an altitude of 3,000 meters and above.

Just last week, CHN Energy put into operation the fourth and last 1 GW unit of its coal-fired Guangxi Beihai Power Plant. The complex in Guangxi province in southern China includes a 27.3 MW solar power plant for electric car chargers.

The utility has also launched regular production of the first of two units in its gas power plant Anji in Zhejiang province. It is the largest and most efficient in the country, CHN Energy pointed out. When the second unit comes online in early 2026, the power plant will have 1.69 GW in capacity.

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January 5, 2026
by in News

Electrica issues call for contractors for large PV parks in Romania

Romanian electricity supplier and distributor Electrica, in which the government holds almost 50%, published tenders via its subsidiaries for the second time for ready-to-build solar power projects. The peak capacities are 62.5 MW and 77.6 MW, and the second investment also involves battery storage. The company launched production in November at its Satu Mare 2 solar power plant, also known as Sunwind, of 27 MW.

Companies with the most advantageous offers from the technical and economic point of view will get the contracts for the construction of photovoltaic systems Satu Mare 3 and Bihor 1. Electrica, the investor, issued both calls a year ago, but canceled them in the meantime.

The Romanian Government owns 49.8% of the company, a power supplier and distributor, which also invests in renewables.

Electrica’s subsidiary New Trend Energy is responsible for the Satu Mare 3 project, of 62.5 MW in peak capacity. It is located in the commune of Doba in the Satu Mare county in the northwest. Inverters would enable the delivery of 57.9 MW to the grid.

The investment is estimated at RON 176.6 million (EUR 34.7 million) excluding value-added tax. Electrica expects to generate 70.2 MWh per annum. The deadline for applications is February 17.

BESS project is for 16.5 MWh in capacity and a 4 MW in operating power

Foton Power Energy, another subsidiary of Electrica, is seeking a contractor for a turnkey deal for Bihor 1. The PV plant would have 77.6 MW in peak capacity, and 77.4 MW in alternating current terms. It would consist of Trina’s bifacial solar panels of 595 W each.

The selected company will need to build a battery energy storage system as well, together with a transformer and fences, according to the document.

Both projects, with sites in northwestern Romania, have won subsidies from the Modernisation Fund

The BESS project is for 16.5 MWh in capacity and a 4 MW in operating power, earlier documents show. It would consist of eight Huawei units with a nominal size of 2.06 MWh each, the special purpose vehicle said. The project envisages the possibility of expansion of the battery storage facility to 75 MW and 150 MWh.

Total expected annual output amounts to 87.5 GWh. Foton Power Energy estimated the project at RON 220 million without VAT, which is EUR 43.2 million. Its site is in the communes of Cefa and Mădăraș in Bihor county, also in Romania’s northwest. Interested firms can submit bids by February 12.

Both Satu Mare 3 and Bihor 1 received state support via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.

Electrica completed its third PV plant last month

In November, the company completed its Satu Mare 2 solar farm of 27 MW in peak capacity. The project firm is called Sunwind Energy. Electrica also operates PV plants Stănești and Vuturul with peak capacities at 7.5 MW and 12 MW, respectively.

The Crucea Est wind power project, worth eur 253 million, is for up to 138 MW and a BESS of 15 MW and 60 MWh.

In the report on the first nine months of 2025, Electrica wrote that it was developing four energy storage projects of 169.5 MWh altogether. In mid-October it initiated the procedures for 15 BESS facilities of 1 GWh in total.

Before that, in early September, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Romgaz on the development of 400 MW in solar and storage. Electrica would be the main partner and the other company would hold a minority interest.

The projects are financed from a green bond issuance, which was the largest in Romania.

Post Views:83
January 5, 2026
by in News

China completes grid connection of world’s largest open sea PV plant

CHN Energy declared a 1 GW solar power system that it built off the coast of China’s Shandong province, on the open sea, fully connected to the grid. The facility consists of steel truss platforms on bottom-fixed piles. Just in the past month, the state-owned company commissioned solar power plants of 600 MW and 425 MW, a coal power station of 4 GW and China’s largest gas power unit.

China continues to dominate the energy realm with the world’s largest projects and innovative design. The latest example, on the open sea, is eight kilometers from Kenli district in the city of Dongying in the country’s east. It is a giant solar power plant, but not a floating one.

The Shandong Dongying Kenli (Guohua HG14) facility is on steel truss platforms on bottom-fixed piles. China Energy Investment Corp., also known as CHN Energy, declared the photovoltaic system fully connected to the grid. The initial project of the state-owned enterprise was for 1 GW.

China State Construction Engineering Corp. (CSCEC) so far installed 930 platforms out of 2,934 planned. Each is on four piles, at water depth of one to four meters.

The project on the open sea off Shandong province spans 1,223 hectares. Its developer is CHN Energy’s subsidiary Guohua Energy Investment Co.

Project involves 100 MW in battery storage

According to the latest reports, Guohua HG14 consists of bifacial double-glass modules of 710 W and the annual output, when the facility is completed, is estimated at 1.78 TWh. In earlier updates, 2.37 million monocrystalline solar panels of 550 W each were planned, translating to 1.3 GW in peak capacity. Total investment was valued at CNY 8.1 billion (USD 1.16 billion).

The company reportedly switched to stronger, bifacial solar modules for the project offshore Dongying

The offshore solar power plant on the open sea is connected to the mainland grid with a 66 kV cable. Its first segment came online in November 2024. The project involves a battery energy storage system of 100 MW in capability and 200 MWh in capacity.

Giant solar plant comes online at altitude of 3,000 meters

Just in the past month, CHN Energy commissioned several landmark facilities. A new 600 MW solar power plant is in the Xinjiang province in the west, in Qitai county, near the border with Mongolia.

The company completed another PV system, of 425 MW, via Qinghai Gonghe Co. Part of a 1 GW project with storage, called Guoneng Canadian Solar Hainan, it is located in Gonghe county in Qinghai Province. It is at an altitude of 3,000 meters and above.

Just last week, CHN Energy put into operation the fourth and last 1 GW unit of its coal-fired Guangxi Beihai Power Plant. The complex in Guangxi province in southern China includes a 27.3 MW solar power plant for electric car chargers.

The utility has also launched regular production of the first of two units in its gas power plant Anji in Zhejiang province. It is the largest and most efficient in the country, CHN Energy pointed out. When the second unit comes online in early 2026, the power plant will have 1.69 GW in capacity.

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January 4, 2026
by in News

YEO invests in ARC Clean Technology to pave way for SMRs in Turkey

YEO Technology’s strategic investment in ARC Clean Technology, which develops advanced small modular reactors, brings potential cooperation opportunities for the deployment of the technology in Turkey. The startup with headquarters in Canada and the United States has closed a series B financing round, with a focus on its advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor of 100 MW.

Amid its push into other sectors and markets, Istanbul-based YEO Technology (YEO Teknoloji Enerji ve Endüstri) aspires to be an early mover in advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) technologies, counting on Turkey’s upcoming investments in nuclear power. The company revealed that it invested in ARC Clean Technology, valuing the startup at USD 60.4 million.

Advanced small modular reactors are expected to become a complementary solution for baseload power demand, the update adds. YEO said it expects the transaction to open the way for cooperation with the startup, which has headquarters both in Canada and the United States, in the deployment of the technology in Turkey and the surrounding region.

The investment is strategic, in line with the company’s goals of early positioning in future energy technologies, access to carbon-free and sustainable energy solutions, and long-term value creation, according to the announcement. YEO didn’t reveal other details.

ARC counts on rising demand for AI computing

ARC Clean Technology is developing the ARC-100, a generation 4 sodium-cooled fast reactor. It originates from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), which worked for 30 years at Idaho National Laboratory.

Using metallic uranium-zirconium fuel, ARC-100 provides 100 MW of electricity capacity, from 286 MW of heat. It is also intended for supplying steam for industrial processes as well as powering electrolyzers in hydrogen production and data and artificial intelligence (AI) centers.

The ARC-100 would only need to be refueled after 20 years

The startup is targeting a 20-year refueling cycle and a design life of 60 years.

Just last week, ARC Clean Technology said it closed its series B financing round. It involved new and existing investors from the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors. The proceeds are for advancing commercialization programs for the ARC-100.

Additionally, the funding will support work with the US Department of Energy, the collaboration agreement with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) for global aSMR fleet deployment, and continuation of a Canadian project supported by strategic partner Hatch.

Global search for partners for nuclear reactors in Turkey

Turkey expects to put the first reactor at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant into operation in 2026. While developing the legal framework for small modular reactors (SMRs), the government is also considering a partnership with South Korea and the US for the second conventional nuclear plant, in Sinop.

Discussions about small reactors and a large nuclear power plant in Eastern Thrace are also underway with China and Russia. Turkish officials earlier mentioned contacts with Canada, France and the United Kingdom as well. The country aims to reach 7.2 GW in nuclear power capacity by 2035 and 20 GW by 2050.

The capacity of Reap Battery’s new LFP battery production facility is 5 GWh per year

Of note, YEO’s subsidiary Reap Battery launched production in mid-December of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Tuzla, Istanbul.

In addition to the domestic market, the facility with an annual capacity of 5 GWh is targeting the US, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. It manufactures systems for renewable energy projects, the power grid, mobility, commercial and industrial applications, and residential energy storage.

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January 4, 2026
by in News

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic-BESS plant

Athens International Airport (AIA) Eleftherios Venizelos completed its comprehensive energy makeover program. It is now operating a photovoltaic facility of 51.5 MW and a battery energy storage system of 82 MWh. It is the largest hybrid power plant of its kind within the premises of any airport in Europe and, reportedly, even the entire world.

At the same time, the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is about to build 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh, in the first phase of a larger project.

Following European and global trends, airports in Southeastern Europe are introducing resource, waste and wastewater management systems. Energy is the largest segment of the decarbonization push. With the completion of its Route 2025 program, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos covered all its electricity needs with photovoltaics, becoming the only such airport in Europe.

In the groundbreaking project, the operator extended the existing solar power plant by 35.5 MW in peak capacity, reaching 51.5 MW, and added a battery energy storage system. The facility has 124 MWh in nominal capacity, of which 82 MWh is usable.

The hybrid system is the largest of its kind inside the fence of any airport in Europe, while the Greek press has even called it the largest in the world. Some of the world’s largest airports are set to follow soon. For instance, IGA Istanbul Airport is investing EUR 212 million in an external solar power plant of 199.3 MW, in Eskişehir.

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic BESS plant
Photo: Athens International Airport

Hybrid power plant to keep Athens International Airport at net zero through 2046

AIA’s PV-BESS plant will generate an estimated 88 GWh per year, which is equivalent to the consumption of 22,000 households. The storage system is only for self-consumption. Importantly, the hybrid system can cover the entire planned expansion up to 2046, when the concession period ends.

AviAlliance, which controls 50.2% of the public-private partnership, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) from Canada. The government holds 25.6% through Superfund, officially Growthfund – The National Fund of Greece.

AIA launched Route 2025 six years ago, with the aim to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the end of this year. It compares to the 2050 net zero goal of the European airports sector.

The Route 2025 program was worth EUR 70 million

The investments totaled EUR 70 million. A significant portion was financed through loans from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the update adds.

Heat pumps have eliminated the need for natural gas in buildings at AIA in normal winter conditions. The electric vehicle fleet consists of 19 buses, 13 follow-me vehicles and 29 vans. A network of chargers also serves passenger cars.

“In the airport company, we operate on the basis of the principle that sustainability, and environmental responsibility in particular, are and will increasingly be prerequisites for what we call the social license to operate and grow,” said outgoing Managing Director of AIA Yiannis Paraschis.

Two airports in Romania receive EU funds for solar-BESS projects

As for other recent developments in the Balkans, operators of two airports in Romania received grants via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund for solar power plants with battery storage.

National Company Bucharest Airports (CNAB) signed a contract for RON 132.04 million (EUR 25.9 million) excluding value-added tax. It is for 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh at the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni.

The entire investment amounts to RON 176.9 million (EUR 34.7 million) excluding VAT. The Romanian state-owned company said it is the first phase of a project for 31.5 MW and 30 MWh overall, valued at EUR 55.7 million.

Bacău International Airport George Enescu will build a solar power plant of 1.25 MW and a BESS of 2.06 MWh. Bacău County Council will also provide support for the on-site project on 2.2 hectares, worth more than EUR 4.9 million.

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January 1, 2026
by in News

YEO invests in ARC Clean Technology to pave way for SMRs in Turkey

YEO Technology’s strategic investment in ARC Clean Technology, which develops advanced small modular reactors, brings potential cooperation opportunities for the deployment of the technology in Turkey. The startup with headquarters in Canada and the United States has closed a series B financing round, with a focus on its advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor of 100 MW.

Amid its push into other sectors and markets, Istanbul-based YEO Technology (YEO Teknoloji Enerji ve Endüstri) aspires to be an early mover in advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) technologies, counting on Turkey’s upcoming investments in nuclear power. The company revealed that it invested in ARC Clean Technology, valuing the startup at USD 60.4 million.

Advanced small modular reactors are expected to become a complementary solution for baseload power demand, the update adds. YEO said it expects the transaction to open the way for cooperation with the startup, which has headquarters both in Canada and the United States, in the deployment of the technology in Turkey and the surrounding region.

The investment is strategic, in line with the company’s goals of early positioning in future energy technologies, access to carbon-free and sustainable energy solutions, and long-term value creation, according to the announcement. YEO didn’t reveal other details.

ARC counts on rising demand for AI computing

ARC Clean Technology is developing the ARC-100, a generation 4 sodium-cooled fast reactor. It originates from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), which worked for 30 years at Idaho National Laboratory.

Using metallic uranium-zirconium fuel, ARC-100 provides 100 MW of electricity capacity, from 286 MW of heat. It is also intended for supplying steam for industrial processes as well as powering electrolyzers in hydrogen production and data and artificial intelligence (AI) centers.

The ARC-100 would only need to be refueled after 20 years

The startup is targeting a 20-year refueling cycle and a design life of 60 years.

Just last week, ARC Clean Technology said it closed its series B financing round. It involved new and existing investors from the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors. The proceeds are for advancing commercialization programs for the ARC-100.

Additionally, the funding will support work with the US Department of Energy, the collaboration agreement with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) for global aSMR fleet deployment, and continuation of a Canadian project supported by strategic partner Hatch.

Global search for partners for nuclear reactors in Turkey

Turkey expects to put the first reactor at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant into operation in 2026. While developing the legal framework for small modular reactors (SMRs), the government is also considering a partnership with South Korea and the US for the second conventional nuclear plant, in Sinop.

Discussions about small reactors and a large nuclear power plant in Eastern Thrace are also underway with China and Russia. Turkish officials earlier mentioned contacts with Canada, France and the United Kingdom as well. The country aims to reach 7.2 GW in nuclear power capacity by 2035 and 20 GW by 2050.

The capacity of Reap Battery’s new LFP battery production facility is 5 GWh per year

Of note, YEO’s subsidiary Reap Battery launched production in mid-December of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Tuzla, Istanbul.

In addition to the domestic market, the facility with an annual capacity of 5 GWh is targeting the US, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. It manufactures systems for renewable energy projects, the power grid, mobility, commercial and industrial applications, and residential energy storage.

Post Views:90
January 1, 2026
by in News

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic-BESS plant

Athens International Airport (AIA) Eleftherios Venizelos completed its comprehensive energy makeover program. It is now operating a photovoltaic facility of 51.5 MW and a battery energy storage system of 82 MWh. It is the largest hybrid power plant of its kind within the premises of any airport in Europe and, reportedly, even the entire world.

At the same time, the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is about to build 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh, in the first phase of a larger project.

Following European and global trends, airports in Southeastern Europe are introducing resource, waste and wastewater management systems. Energy is the largest segment of the decarbonization push. With the completion of its Route 2025 program, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos covered all its electricity needs with photovoltaics, becoming the only such airport in Europe.

In the groundbreaking project, the operator extended the existing solar power plant by 35.5 MW in peak capacity, reaching 51.5 MW, and added a battery energy storage system. The facility has 124 MWh in nominal capacity, of which 82 MWh is usable.

The hybrid system is the largest of its kind inside the fence of any airport in Europe, while the Greek press has even called it the largest in the world. Some of the world’s largest airports are set to follow soon. For instance, IGA Istanbul Airport is investing EUR 212 million in an external solar power plant of 199.3 MW, in Eskişehir.

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic BESS plant
Photo: Athens International Airport

Hybrid power plant to keep Athens International Airport at net zero through 2046

AIA’s PV-BESS plant will generate an estimated 88 GWh per year, which is equivalent to the consumption of 22,000 households. The storage system is only for self-consumption. Importantly, the hybrid system can cover the entire planned expansion up to 2046, when the concession period ends.

AviAlliance, which controls 50.2% of the public-private partnership, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) from Canada. The government holds 25.6% through Superfund, officially Growthfund – The National Fund of Greece.

AIA launched Route 2025 six years ago, with the aim to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the end of this year. It compares to the 2050 net zero goal of the European airports sector.

The Route 2025 program was worth EUR 70 million

The investments totaled EUR 70 million. A significant portion was financed through loans from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the update adds.

Heat pumps have eliminated the need for natural gas in buildings at AIA in normal winter conditions. The electric vehicle fleet consists of 19 buses, 13 follow-me vehicles and 29 vans. A network of chargers also serves passenger cars.

“In the airport company, we operate on the basis of the principle that sustainability, and environmental responsibility in particular, are and will increasingly be prerequisites for what we call the social license to operate and grow,” said outgoing Managing Director of AIA Yiannis Paraschis.

Two airports in Romania receive EU funds for solar-BESS projects

As for other recent developments in the Balkans, operators of two airports in Romania received grants via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund for solar power plants with battery storage.

National Company Bucharest Airports (CNAB) signed a contract for RON 132.04 million (EUR 25.9 million) excluding value-added tax. It is for 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh at the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni.

The entire investment amounts to RON 176.9 million (EUR 34.7 million) excluding VAT. The Romanian state-owned company said it is the first phase of a project for 31.5 MW and 30 MWh overall, valued at EUR 55.7 million.

Bacău International Airport George Enescu will build a solar power plant of 1.25 MW and a BESS of 2.06 MWh. Bacău County Council will also provide support for the on-site project on 2.2 hectares, worth more than EUR 4.9 million.

Post Views:76