September 29, 2025
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HiTHIUM, Solarpro partner to develop long-duration energy storage in Eastern Europe

China-based HiTHIUM and Solarpro Holding have signed a 2 GWh master supply agreement for battery energy storage systems.

HiTHIUM is a global provider of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology, while Solarpro Holding is an EPC provider of photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Europe.

The agreement will support multiple utility-scale projects across Eastern Europe, including but not limited to Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and North Macedonia – which are accelerating renewable deployment as part of their energy transition strategies, according to HiTHIUM.

HiTHIUM will supply its bespoke DC block solutions

Under the agreement, HiTHIUM will supply its bespoke direct current (DC) block solutions, applying the ∞Power 6.25 MWh BESS with high-performance batteries of 1,175 Ah and 587 Ah.

The devices will be deployed exclusively in several utility-scale projects across Europe, HiTHIUM stressed.

DC block is the basic unit of a large BESS and a ready-to-deploy solution.

HiTHIUM expressed the opinion that intraday market volatility and cannibalization of photovoltaics can be addressed mostly by LDES solutions.

Li: We will deliver projects that turn renewables generation into dispatchable, flexible, and reliable resources

According to Kelson Li, HiTHIUM Europe Senior Director of Sales, Eastern Europe’s energy transformation requires energy storage solutions that go beyond short-term balancing.

“By combining HiTHIUM’s industry-leading long-duration energy storage technology with Solarpro’s deep regional experience in large-scale renewable energy integration, we will deliver projects that turn renewable generation into dispatchable, flexible, and reliable resources, advancing the region’s clean energy transition,” he underlined.

Nenov: LDES is a next critical technology upgrade of Europe’s electricity generation mix

Konstantin Nenov, Solarpro Chairman, said his company sees LDES as the next critical technology upgrade of Europe’s electricity generation mix.

“Partnering with HiTHIUM allows us to combine their advanced BESS technology with our proven track record in designing, integration and delivering complex renewable and storage projects across the region,” he stated.

HiTHIUM and Solarpro have already collaborated on landmark projects in Bulgaria and Hungary that were commissioned in 2024 and 2025.

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September 29, 2025
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DRI acquires 112 MW battery storage project in Poland from Greenvolt

DRI expanded its activities in Poland with the acquisition of rights to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kozienice, located in the east-central part of the country. The investment will also strengthen Ukraine’s grid, according to the update.

DRI, DTEK’s renewables arm in the European Union, acquired a BESS project for 112 MW in capability from Greenvolt Group. The battery system would have a four-hour duration, translating to a capacity of 448 MWh. The project is in a ready-to-build (RTB) stage, with all necessary administrative approvals, permits, and grid connection agreements in place for immediate construction, the two companies said.

The site is in Kozienice in the east-central part of Poland. In addition to making the country’s electricity grid more stable, the project will progressively strengthen Ukraine’s grid as the country’s energy network is integrated into a single European system, DRI pointed out.

The ambition is part of DTEK’s broader drive to prioritise energy security for Ukraine and the rest of Europe, the announcement reads.

DRI lifts battery storage project portfolio in Poland to 245 MW

With the new agreement, DRI is consolidating its position in the Polish energy market, and more broadly, in Europe’s energy transition, said DRI’s new Chief Executive Officer Murat Çinar.

Battery energy storage systems will be at the heart of the power grid of the future, DRI’s CEO Murat Çinar underscored

“By adding a second battery storage project to our portfolio, the acquisition of the Kozienice BESS will increase our total storage capacity available to the Polish grid to 245 MW. This technology will play a vital role in Europe’s transition towards a renewables-based system, enhancing grid stability and reducing the risk of outages during periods of system stress. Battery energy storage systems will be at the heart of the power grid of the future,” he stated.

Alongside its two battery storage projects in Poland, Amsterdam-based DRI is advancing fifteen solar and onshore wind projects at various stages of development in Croatia, Italy and Romania. The company said its mission is to work in underserved markets in Europe to achieve their net zero goals.

Its parent DTEK Group is the biggest private investor in Ukraine’s energy sector.

Greenvolt delivers high-impact BESS project

Greenvolt is one of the largest developers of energy storage in Europe, a technology that stands as a key pillar of the energy transition, the group’s CEO João Manso Neto said.

“This agreement fully aligns with our strategic objective to deliver high-impact projects that drive the ongoing transformation of the European energy landscape and attract strong market interest,” he stressed.

Greenvolt Group is a company within KKR’s portfolio. Through Greenvolt Power, it develops utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects across 18 markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

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September 23, 2025
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Prime Batteries expanding battery storage manufacturing capacity in Romania

Prime Batteries Technology started the works on multiplying the capacity of its battery storage factory in Bucharest, despite the deteriorating prospects for its industry segment in Romania. Czechia-based Tesla Group has given up on a manufacturing facility project worth almost EUR 100 million, even with state aid approved. The government’s renegotiation of a funding package with the European Union resulted in erasing EUR 150 million in grants.

Prime Batteries Technology or PBT got a major investor on board and launched the works on the expansion of its factory in Romania. Earlier this month, the company obtained the building permit for boosting the capacity in Bucharest to 8.5 GWh per year from the current 2.5 GWh, Chief Executive Officer Vicențiu Ciobanu revealed at a conference organized by Energynomics.

Prime Batteries expects to grow its operational portfolio to 226 MWh this month. The facilities are within existing renewable electricity plants – mainly photovoltaics. The company expects to deliver another 152 MWh in the same segment and another 227.8 MWh in standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) before the end of 2025.

The rest of the 800 MWh target for this year is due by the end of March. PBT also manufactures batteries for electric vehicles, industrial production and electricity grids.

Private equity firm T2Y steps in, confident in manufacturing investment bet

Prime Batteries has just welcomed private equity firm T2Y on board. According to the announcement, their goal is to surpass 8 GWh in annual capacity by 2030. T2Y became the second-largest shareholder, while Prime Batteries Technology’s Founder Adrian Polec controls the largest stake, Handelsblatt reported.

The company has a supply chain independent of China, T2Y’s Founder Patrick Bettscheider pointed out. He noted that PBT’s machines are Korean while the suppliers are Japanese, Korean and European.

The battery manufacturer has also agreed a partnership with Monsson for the development of projects for 1.07 GWh of storage capacity in Romania and Europe. In addition, Prime Batteries introduced a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) offer for the commercial and industrial segment.

Tesla Group backs out with major loss as EU fails to address Chinese subsidies

Launching the construction of another factory occurred at a hard time for investors in battery manufacturing in the country, but also Europe.

Tesla Group from the Czech Republic recently canceled a project in Romania estimated at almost EUR 100 million, including EUR 39.4 million in state aid. The company acknowledged that it already spent EUR 10 million before the pullout: on land in Brăila for the planned factory, technology, procurement and tenders.

Among other headwinds, Tesla Group cited the significant decline BESS equipment prices and the bankruptcy of major players

Namely, the situation worsened in June 2024 as global competition intensified, Tesla Group stressed, as quoted by Profit.ro. It cited “heavily subsidized Chinese manufacturers” together with “the lack of effective trade protection policies at the EU level,” the significant decline in prices of BESS and the bankruptcy of major players such as Northvolt in Sweden.

The Czech firm said it has become “impossible to sustain or expand battery production operations in Europe.”

Lyten, headquartered in the United States, agreed in July to take over Northvolt.

Romania folds plan to make BESS manufacturing its strategic sector

On top of it all, Romania has lost EUR 150 million in EU grants for battery production, assembly and recycling, according to a document from the Ministry of Energy that the same media outlet saw. The sum was from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP or, in Romanian, PNRR), which the government is renegotiating with the administration in Brussels.

Two beneficiaries have requested that their funding contracts be canceled. The ministry will scrap another three, the article reads.

Notably, several contracts for hydrogen production and manufacturing facilities for solar panels have been suspended. Financial support for two cogeneration plants was reduced. Greece, Bulgaria and Romania have been breaching deadlines for reforms and procedures for EU subsidies for batteries, but also other investments essential for the energy transition.

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September 23, 2025
by in News

YESS Power set to commission Western Balkans’ first large battery energy storage system

YESS Power said that in November it plans to commission a 60 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in North Macedonia. The Turkey-based contractor is installing the facility for Mey Energy at the site of the client’s solar power plant in Novaci. It would be the first large BESS and hybrid power plant in the region.

While the Western Balkans still doesn’t host any utility-scale BESS, giant leaps forward are seen in North Macedonia. Fortis Energy intends to expand its Oslomej solar power plant with one such facility, while Zen Energy Group has started the installation of a hybrid energy plant of the same kind. In addition, Turkey-based engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning contractor YESS Power is spearheading the project for the addition of a BESS to the Novaci photovoltaic plant.

When Mey Energy put the 55 MW solar park into operation two years ago, it was the biggest in the said region. Now YESS Power, in cooperation with battery manufacturer Cubenergy from China, is installing a BESS of 60 MW at the site for the client.

With the commissioning date scheduled for November, it is about to become the first large battery energy storage facility in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans.

Novaci was the biggest PV park in the region when it was built in 2023

YESS Power, Topkapı Endüstri’s new brand, is responsible for engineering, installation, technical services and maintenance of the battery segment of the future hybrid power plant.

Mey Energy’s Novaci solar power plant spans 57 hectares. It generates 85 GWh per year, equivalent to the electricity demands of 30,000 households in the country. Notably, the PV system is next to the open pit coal mines of the REK Bitola energy complex, which includes a thermal power plant.

YESS Power said it specializes in scalable, secure, turnkey energy storage solutions for solar plants, industrial facilities, grid support and microgrids. It revealed that the current project marks the beginning of a “a broader strategic partnership in the Turkish and Eastern European markets” with Cubenergy.

In the wider Southeastern European region, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are massively adding BESS capacity. The remaining countries remain slow with administrative changes, planning and investment.

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September 23, 2025
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Fortis Energy preparing to build solar-battery hybrid power plant in Serbia

Fortis Energy has obtained a construction permit for a solar park of 270 MW on the territory of the city of Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia, Mayor Branislav Nedimović said. The company plans to include a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 36 MWh.

Turkey-based Fortis Energy bought a solar power project in Serbia last year, which would have a 180 MW grid connection. At the time, the company announced that it also planned a battery energy storage system of 36 MWh. Chief Operational Officer Velimir Gavrilović said in May, at Belgrade Energy Forum (BEF 2025) that the projects Noćaj 1 and Noćaj 2 are nearing a ready-to-build status.

After his recent meeting with the representatives of Fortis Energy, Mayor of Sremska Mitrovica Branislav Nedimović said the company has obtained a construction permit for the solar park. The transmission permit is expected within three months, and the works are beginning in the spring, he revealed. Sremska Mitrovica is a city west of Belgrade.

The location is on private land just south of the river Sava, toward Drenovac village in the Mačva area, Nedimović asserted. He said the solar power plant’s capacity would be 270 MW.

Fortis Energy received a construction permit for a proposed solar park across the river from Sremska Mitrovica

In May, the company signed a contract for the connection of its planned solar park Erdevik in Šid, a municipality bordering Sremska Mitrovica. The plan is to install 110 MW in peak capacity, with a BESS system of 31.2 MWh.

The developer and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor is working on wind power projects Vranje, Gornjak and Juhor.

The company has five biogas facilities in Serbia of 21 MW altogether.

Last year in North Macedonia, Fortis Energy commissioned a photovoltaic plant of 79.9 MW in peak capacity in Oslomej in North Macedonia. The grid capacity is 68.7 MW.

The company said in February that it contracted the construction of a BESS of 62 MW at the same location. It opted for lithium ion batteries of 104 MWh in total capacity, which means that they can run at full power for two hours.

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September 17, 2025
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One year in: insights from REIB’s inaugural BESS investments and increasing importance of safety standards

When discussing Europe’s green transition, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are often talked about as “the next big thing,” as the technologies have the potential to transform the grid, stabilise renewable energy sources, and enable new business models. However, while it’s easy to talk about storage, operating it with real assets, real risks, and real returns on the line is where theory meets reality. That is why hitting the one-year mark with two operational co-located BESS projects is more than just a date on the calendar for Renewable Energy Insurance Broker (REIB). It is a chance to look back at what worked, what caught them by surprise, and what they would tell anyone about to start their own storage journey.

In September 2024, REIB launched its own operational projects — a 4 MW / 8 MWh system and a 6 MW / 12 MWh system, developed together with Sunotec. They have now been in uninterrupted operation for twelve months, making them among the first large-scale storage sites in the region.

Eager to hear the first insights from REIB on two BESS facilities, we sat down with Delyan Iliev, Managing Director of REIB, to discuss the lessons learned from commissioning and operating these projects, and how their experience relates to broader market trends.

Delyan, achieving one year of uninterrupted operation is a significant milestone. What has stood out to you the most during this time?

One of the first things that became clear is the critical importance of certifications and compliance requirements from banks and insurers. They not only want to ensure that a project is technically sound but also require proof that it meets internationally recognised safety standards. In many cases, these certificates are prerequisites for financing. Without them, your project simply cannot move forward.

So, is early planning crucial?

Exactly. A preliminary consultation is not a formality; it is essential. When insurance professionals are involved from the beginning, we can identify and address technical or contractual issues before they escalate into costly problems. The same goes for having solid protection in the early stages of a project — too many investors believe that insurance is something you can add later. In reality, early-phase cover can mean the difference between a minor setback and a project-crippling loss.

And where does Business Interruption coverage fit into this?

That comes in a later stage, but it is equally important. Business Interruption insurance is not just about replacing lost revenue; it’s about making sure the cover matches your specific revenue model and contractual obligations. If those two are not aligned, you may face serious gaps in protection when you need it most.

REIB also works closely with clients during negotiations. How does this benefit them?

When “Insurance Requirements” are included in contracts, we are there with our clients in the negotiation room. We help to shape those clauses so that they are realistic and achievable. You don’t want to sign a contract only to realise later that you have agreed to provide policies that are impossible to obtain, have excessively high limits, or are prohibitively expensive.

Beyond that, we give our clients additional security by advising them on the most suitable insurance solutions and coverage structures for their specific project. This approach ensures that they meet their contractual obligations in a manner that is efficient, sustainable, and aligned with their risk profile.

Let’s talk about safety standards. How do they fit into this picture?

They’re the backbone of insurability. Because there’s no universal regulation for BESS yet, and rules can differ even within a single country, insurers have taken the lead in enforcing global benchmarks, such as UL, IEC, and NFPA standards. These cover everything from battery chemistry and fire safety spacing to manufacturing quality and site-specific studies. And they are not static; they evolve alongside technology.

For example, lithium ferro phosphate, or LFP, is now preferred over older chemistries like NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) because it is more stable, lasts longer, and is less risky. Aligning with these standards from the start not only makes insurance possible but also reassures lenders and streamlines the financing process.

And after a year, how do your projects measure up against these benchmarks?

Very well. Early alignment with international safety standards enabled us to avoid delays in securing insurance and financing. It also gave us leverage in our dealings with contractors and suppliers, because the requirements were clear from the very beginning, and everyone involved in the project knew what had to be delivered. This approach not only reduced uncertainty but also helped us manage risks more effectively during construction and commissioning.

That is your own experience. How does it fit with REIB’s broader role in the European market?

At REIB, we are proud to help unlock the potential of storage projects, and the scale speaks for itself: in 2024, Europe installed a total of 21.9 GWh of BESS, while in just the first six months of 2025, we insured more than 6 GWh — with projects in Bulgaria, Germany, and the UK. This demonstrates both the speed of market growth and the trust our clients place in us to manage their complex insurance requirements.

Finally, if you had to give one piece of advice to investors who are just starting their BESS journey, what would it be?

Don’t wait until your project is fully designed to think about insurance. The right insurance strategy is as important as the right technology. Too many projects lose valuable time and money because risk management is treated as an afterthought. Our experience shows that when insurance expertise is integrated from the earliest stage, financing is smoother, negotiations are easier, and the project stands on much firmer ground.

We already know how to align BI coverage with your revenue model, which certifications are non-negotiable for financing, and how to avoid uninsurable contract clauses. If you’re planning a BESS or hybrid project, talk to us before you break ground. It will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run.

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September 15, 2025
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ElevenEs mulls building advanced battery cells gigafactory in Poland

Battery technology developer ElevenEs, which has production facilities in Serbia, plans to build a EUR 600 million gigafactory. It revealed that it is considering locations in Poland. The company said InnoEnergy is now one of its main shareholders.

Now backed by a group of international investors including the InnoEnergy fund, ElevenEs announced its next major step. The company registered in Luxembourg said it is “seriously considering Poland” for its planned investment: a EUR 600 million gigafactory for advanced battery cells.

The battery technology developer, which operates production facilities in Serbia, has unveiled its latest product in May. It said the Edge574 blade cell charges up to 80% in 12 minutes. The cycle life translates to a range of at least 500,000 kilometers for electric cars, ElevenEs’ update reads. The company specializes in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology.

“ElevenEs is revolutionizing the battery market, including batteries intended for the electric vehicle industry,” according to its statement on the gigafactory project.

The company aims to begin construction by the end of 2027 and eventually employ 700 engineers.

Company shortlists Kraków, Silesia, Lower Silesia

ElevenEs hasn’t determined the exact location, but it hinted it would be in southern Poland: Kraków, Silesia or Lower Silesia. The country would benefit from technology transfer and the opportunity to further develop it within the domestic economy, it stressed.

ElevenEs’ CEO Nemanja Mikać praised the Polish labor market, supply chain and access to Western European markets

An open labor market, availability of suppliers within the supply chain, presence of many universities, and access to Western European markets are all undeniable advantages of Poland, said founder and Chief Executive Officer of ElevenEs Nemanja Mikać.

“If we add potential public sector involvement to this, we have one of the most attractive places for investment in Europe… From a technology development standpoint, we are a clear leader in Europe. One of the most significant benefits of our technology is its ability to integrate different industrial sectors and build an innovation ecosystem around it,” he stated.

InnoEnergy becomes one of main shareholders of ElevenEs

In introducing the company to Poland and securing additional investors, ElevenEs is being supported by InnoEnergy. Since its founding in 2010, it has invested in over 540 European tech companies. InnoEnergy is now one of the main shareholders of ElevenEs.

“We specialize in connecting different stakeholder groups. Our broad ecosystem includes financial and industrial investors, as well as technology providers, research institutions, and academic centers. The projects we’ve completed demonstrate our experience and ability to execute large, complex investment ventures. We see enormous potential in the ElevenEs project – not only will it help build a strong, competitive Polish economy, but it may also allow Europe to finally establish a significant presence in the global battery value chain. This is one of those projects that could change the rules of the game,” said Mikołaj Budzanowski, CEO of InnoEnergy for Central Europe.

There are investors willing to support the project, but the success of the investment depends critically on the timing and decisiveness of the public sector, he explained. He also highlighted the necessary role of financial institutions.

Serbia in scope for mass production

Of note, Mikać recently said that ElevenEs would “localize and scale” LFP battery production in Serbia over the next seven or eight years. It could become the first country in Europe to launch mass production, he added.

The company wants to participate in creating a robust supply chain in Serbia and Central and Eastern Europe, but also potentially across the continent, he asserted.

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September 15, 2025
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Greece loses EU grant intended for renewable electricity for vulnerable consumers

The ambitious Apollo program, which the Greek government outlined in late 2023, is losing EUR 100 million. The European Union earlier approved the grant for investments in renewable energy and storage, intended to lower energy costs for vulnerable consumers through self-consumption.

The first phase of the Apollo program was envisaged to help vulnerable households. It aimed to support renewable energy projects, through auctions, of 400 MW to 500 MW overall, combined with battery systems.

Each of Greece’s 13 regions, also known as peripheries, would get a green power plant, and eligible consumers who join a local energy community get discounted electricity bills. Therefore, the program is in the form of virtual self-consumption. It is the first of its kind in the region that Balkan Green Energy News tracks.

Apollo fails to take off on time

The scheme was supposed to benefit from an EUR 100 million grant from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). It is implemented via the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0.

However, Apollo was significantly delayed and now the deadlines are considered impossible to achieve, even if they are extended. It means RRF funds are going to be lost. Energypress reported that they have already been removed from the budget.

Namely, the issue is with the batteries. Now their costs would have to be covered entirely by the producers. In turn, they are expected to lock higher prices in Apollo’s auctions, possibly passing them on to end consumers and making the whole initiative less effective at combating energy poverty.

It should be noted that the rest of Apollo remains intact for the time being, despite the setback. The loss of funds concerns household consumers with special tariff A. Funding is still available, in theory, for the other category of vulnerable households, defined by different income criteria.

The entire initiative also aims to lower energy costs for municipal authorities, water utilities and irrigation associations. They haven’t been affected so far.

Standalone battery plants also at risk

Another Greek initiative, for subsidized standalone battery plants, faces very short deadlines. It is eligible for EUR 341 million in RRF funding. In total, projects for 900 MW overall have been selected through three auctions.

The first wave of investors should declare connection readiness this month, so their facilities can become operational by the end of 2025.

HAESS: Selected projects may not receive support

They have complained of a lengthy licensing process and logistical difficulties. The investors asked the Ministry of Environment and Energy for an extension.

In July, the Ministry of Finance submitted a request for the sixth RRF tranche, EUR 2.1 billion in grants, after completing 39 more targets. If it is approved by the administration in Brussels, Greece will have secured EUR 23.4 billion overall, or 65% of allotted funds.

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September 9, 2025
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Serbia’s EPS plans to build 500 MW of wind farms with strategic partner

State-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) and the Government of Serbia plan to develop a 500 MW wind farm project with a strategic partner, according to Aleksandar Latinović, Head of Ancillary Services at EPS. He also noted that a 1,000 MW solar power project is expected to be online by 2029.

The Energy Infrastructure Development Plan and Energy Efficiency Measures for the period through 2028 envisage the construction of wind farms with a capacity of up to 500 MW.

The project could be similar to the 1,000 MW solar power project with 200 MW battery energy storage systems (BESS) that Serbia is implementing with strategic partners Hyundai Engineering and UGT Renewables (UGTR).

During the presentation of EPS’s development projects at the Korea-Serbia Strategic Energy Development Forum, held in Belgrade, Aleksandar Latinović recalled that the recently built Kostolac B3 power plant, as well as the pumped storage hydropower plant Bistrica, will provide energy to balance the system.

Tenders for two solar power plants are expected next year

Increasing the balancing reserve, in his words, is crucial for integrating new renewable energy sources into the power system. He particularly highlighted the Bistrica project, noting that it will have the same energy storage capacity as all currently existing BESSs in Europe. According to Latinović, the plant is expected to be operational by 2031 or 2032.

Latinović also recalled that EPS recently inaugurated Petka, its first solar power plant on a coal tailings dump. Though a small project, it is significant because EPS owns several thousand hectares of similar tailings and ash dumps.

The solar power plants Kolubara A (78 MW) and Morava (42 MW) are in the development phase, with tenders expected to be announced next year. Meanwhile, the Klenovnik project (110 MW) is undergoing a review of its preliminary feasibility study.

The 1 GW solar project is expected to be connected to the grid by 2029

Regarding wind energy, the 66 MW Kostolac wind farm is scheduled to begin trial operations next month.

For other wind farm projects, EPS and the Serbian government plan a 500 MW project with a strategic partner, he noted, stressing that EPS is willing to acquire already developed, construction-ready projects.

Latinović recalled that the preparation of a spatial plan for the 1 GW solar power project is underway. Strategic partners have already begun preparing investment and technical documentation, and a grid connection agreement with transmission system operator Elektromreža Srbije (EMS) has been signed.

A shortage of balancing energy could be an issue

According to the project timeline, this project will be operational and connected to the grid within four years, Latinović noted.

He stressed that integrating new renewable energy sources into the power system could lead to a shortage of balancing reserves. It is also possible, in his words, that there will be an excess of electricity when a significant amount of renewable energy is produced.

For this reason, EPS has initiated a study to analyze the use of hydrogen and heat storage.

The main focus of this study will be optimizing surplus electricity from intermittent renewable energy sources, increasing the system’s balancing reserve, replacing fuel oil in coal power plants with hydrogen-based fuel, and substituting gas and coal in heat production, Latinović explained.

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August 27, 2025
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Dozens of airports in Southeastern Europe invest in solar power, energy efficiency

Airports in Istanbul and Athens are becoming completely self-reliant with their large solar power projects. Many other airports in Southeastern Europe are investing in photovoltaics as well. Together with energy efficiency, electric mobility and waste and wastewater management projects, they aim to decarbonize their operations and reduce their environmental impact.

Surfaces around infrastructure such as railways and motorways are convenient for solar power as there are few alternatives for their use and the technology can directly provide them with electricity. Airports, too, have embraced the global trend of introducing photovoltaics and electrifying operations, and Southeastern Europe is no exception, with several notable investments.

The largest ones in Istanbul and Athens are about to switch 100% to solar power, which would make them some of the first in the world. In addition, airports in the region are increasing energy efficiency and rolling out electric vehicle fleets. They are introducing resource, waste and wastewater management systems to decarbonize their operations and reduce their environmental impact.

Airport operator in Albania expanding to solar power market

In other recent news, the operator of Kukës International Airport Zayed in Albania’s northeast is in the process of obtaining a license to generate and trade electricity. Namely, the company, Global Technical Mechanics, received a concession five months ago in consortium with local construction firm Bami to build and operate a 12 MW solar power plant.

The location at the village of Shtiqen is in the municipality of Kukës. The airport, built with investments by Emaar Properties from the United Arab Emirates, was inaugurated in 2021. However, it ceased operations in the meantime as Wizz Air withdrew from the facility.

The entire Vlora International Airport, which is under construction, will be covered with solar panels, Albanian officials said earlier. The PV project is for 5.2 MW. A consortium led by Swiss-based Mabco Constructions is building and financing the construction. The firm is part of Mabetex Group, controlled by Behgjet Pacolli, Kosovar businessman and former president, deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

Zagreb Airport starts with small PV unit

Zagreb Airport, which installed a 250 kW photovoltaic unit this year, said it plans to expand it soon. In addition, it switched to 100% renewable energy supply.

Like other airports in the region, the main one in Croatia replaced conventional, halogen lighting with LED. The operator has committed to cutting its emissions in accordance with the recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Zagreb Airport is renovating its buildings and increasingly using solar energy for heating water. Interestingly, it plans to switch from diesel-fueled generators to hydrogen-ready systems.

Athens to integrate strong battery with its arrays

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos commissioned an 8.05 MW solar park in 2011, followed by another one in 2023, with 15.8 MW in peak capacity.

This year two more units with a combined peak capacity of 35.5 MW are coming online, together with a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 82 MWh.

The operator of Turkey’s largest airport is completing a photovoltaic park of nearly 200 MW and aiming to cover almost all its energy needs from renewable sources by the end of the decade

IGA Istanbul Airport reported that its greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 were 10.5% lower than its goal. Moreover, its operator increased its 2030 renewable energy target from 50% to 90%.

Namely, it expects its Eskişehir solar farm of a whopping 199.3 MW to begin operations before the end of the year. The location spans 300 hectares and the investment amounts to EUR 212 million. The PV park will generate an estimated 340 GWh per year.

Dalaman Airport hosts world’s largest rooftop solar power plant among airport terminals

Several other airports in Turkey are also decarbonizing their electricity systems. TAV Airports Holding (TAV Havalimanları Holding), part of Groupe ADP, completed a solar power plant 6.7 MW in peak capacity at its Milas-Bodrum Airport in the country’s southwest. Within the same project for setting up PV systems at parking areas, the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is getting a 5.9 MW unit.

The Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is getting a 5.9 MW solar power system at parking areas

Dalaman Airport, near Bodrum, operates a solar power plant of 8.3 MW in peak capacity. It is the world’s largest on the roof of an airport terminal building.

The facility now covers more than 55% of its consumption from solar energy. The investment was worth EUR 5.4 million. The operator, YDA Airport Investment and Management, has vowed to reach 100% in phase two. The airport has completely switched to electric vehicles.

In 2023, airports Milas-Bodrum, Gaziantep, Erzurum and Ordu-Giresun all commissioned smaller PV systems.

Romanian operators leaning on EU funds

Iași International Airport is about to expand its 1 MW solar power plant, installed in 2023. It was the first in Romania in the sector. The management intends to add 5 MW and a 2 MW energy storage unit.

The investment will reportedly be supported with a grant from the European Union’s Modernisation Fund. The hybrid power plant is supposed to cover a fifth of the electricity consumption of the facility in Romania’s far northeast.

Maramureş International Airport (AIM) is also seeking funding, for a system of 2.6 MW in peak capacity on parking canopies. It would include battery storage.

The PV unit would feature 25 inverters of 100 kW each. The project, worth EUR 12.1 million, should be complete by the end of next year, the management said. The facility is in Romania’s northwest, near the border with Ukraine and Hungary.

Cluj International Airport Avram Iancu said in December that it would install a PV system with batteries. It claimed it would make it energy independent in 2026. According to the facility’s website, the solar power project is for 2 MW.

Bacau International Airport George Enescu is another one that applied for funds. The management envisages a 1.25 MW solar power unit and a BESS of 2.1 MWh in capacity, to fully cover electricity consumption.

Sibiu International Airport is developing a project for a ground-mounted unit of 1.7 MW in peak capacity. The site is two kilometers from the terminal.

The management is expecting to cover the costs mainly with a grant via the Modernisation Fund. It said the PV park would be completed within a year and a half and suggested that it would introduce electric cars and buses and charging stations.

Notably, National Company Bucharest Airports (CNAB) has a geotermal energy project.

Hermes Airports equipped its two facilities with PV systems in 2023

Hermes Airports commissioned two solar power plants in Cyprus two years ago. The unit at Larnaka International Airport has 3.5 MW in peak capacity and the one at Pafos International Airport has 1.1 MW. They cover 25% and 30%, respectively, of the facilities’ electricity needs.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport in Serbia commissioned a PV system of 1 MW in peak capacity in 2022. The facility’s concessionaire, Vinci Airports, has also set up solar-powered LED lighting.

International airports in Sarajevo and Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina unveiled plans for PV systems a few years ago.

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