October 30, 2025
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NGEN inaugurates Austria’s most powerful battery energy storage system

NGEN Group inaugurated its battery storage system in Austria’s Carinthia province after expanding it. At 21.9 MW in operating power and 43.8 MWh in capacity, it is again the country’s largest grid-supporting BESS.

With the official commissioning of the Arnoldstein-Gailitz battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Carinthia province, the NGEN Group has set another milestone in Austria’s energy transition. Following the completion of its second expansion phase in 2025, the facility now boasts 21.9 MW and 43.8 MWh in capacity, making it the country’s largest and most powerful grid-supporting battery storage power plant.

The project marks a significant step toward a sustainable, secure, and climate-neutral energy future and stands as a strong symbol of innovation, energy security, and technological excellence Made in Carinthia, the company stressed. NGEN is headquartered in Žirovnica in Slovenia, just across the border from Arnoldstein.

NGEN’s software contributes to grid stability, renewables deployment

NGEN Group developed the energy storage project and completed the standalone facility in 2023 as Austria’s first large-scale investment of its kind.

The company stressed that the BESS makes a crucial contribution to grid stability and the integration of renewable energy sources through its innovative software solutions. They enable peak shaving – to reduce load peaks and ease grid congestion – and the provision of balancing reserves for grid stability.

The company’s proprietary software enables trading optimization, peak shaving and balancing services

NGEN’s proprietary software also optimizes intraday and day-ahead trading on the power exchange. The Arnoldstein-Gailitz BESS enhances the security of supply by providing flexibility and helps accelerate the integration of renewables.

The company pointed out that the facility has a minimal impact on the landscape. NGEN Group offers rapid project implementation in urban environments and power supply support for charging stations, including lower electricity costs, around-the-clock availability of renewable energy and blackout resilience.

Redispatch capabilities prevent local supply bottlenecks through load flow balancing, the update adds.

Carinthia pioneering resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure

NGEN is already planning a four times larger BESS facility in Upper Austria.

“With the Arnoldstein-Gailitz battery storage power plant, we are sending a clear signal: Carinthia is becoming a pioneer of a modern, resilient, and sustainable energy infrastructure. This facility demonstrates what is possible when technology, political will, and local commitment come together. It bridges the gap between generation and consumption, makes solar energy reliably available, and ensures true energy security,” managing directors of NGEN Austria Matija Dolinar and Andreas Ljuba explained in a joint statement.

The expanded BESS underscores Carinthia’s role as a hub of innovation and demonstrates that grid-stabilizing storage technologies are decisive for the energy transition, not only in Austria but across Europe, the company said.

“Our vision is a fully digitalized and decentralized European electricity system that keeps pace with the rapid growth of renewable energy and sustainably reduces CO2 emissions,” said Chief Executive Officer and Founder of NGEN Group Roman Bernard.

Since 2019, the company has been combining its expertise in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services with cutting-edge storage technology and advanced energy market connectivity. NGEN Group currently employs over 200 people across nine countries, including 40 in Austria. It has an annual turnover of EUR 100 million, of which EUR 60 million in Austria.

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October 16, 2025
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Principia builds CfD-backed battery storage facility in Greece

Principia built its first battery system in just six months. The Themelio facility in Chalkidiki in northern Greece, with 49 MW in operating power, will help reduce curtailments from wind and solar power plants and contribute to grid stability.

One of the first standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Greece is coming online in December. Principia said it built the Themelio facility in the Vouno area of Chalkidiki peninsula, aligned with the national plan for grid stability and electrification.

The BESS has 49 MW in capability and a two-hour duration, translating to a guaranteed capacity of 98 MWh, while the nominal capacity is 127 MWh.

Principia is an equally-owned joint venture of Italy-based Enel and funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management, headquartered in Australia. The company said the name Themelio, foundation, symbolizes the beginning of its new era, diversifying beyond renewables.

The construction of the battery system near the town of Polygyros in the Central Macedonia region began in April. It will help reduce curtailments from wind and solar plants, especially in grid-congested areas, by absorbing excess electricity and injecting it back into the system when needed, Principia explained.

The battery energy storage system features a guaranteed capacity of 98 MWh

BESS also enhances system stability by providing power during peak demand and ensuring smooth grid operation. In addition, the unit promotes energy decentralization, as it is located close to renewable energy production sites, contributing to the creation of a more flexible and intelligent energy environment, the joint venture pointed out.

Eurobank financed half of the EUR 28 million project.

The new system in northern Greece consists of 26 Sungrow battery containers, each with a maximum capacity of 5 MWh and equipped with advanced CALB 314 Ah cells. Themelio includes 13 Sungrow power stations, containing 5,140 kW transformers and 33 kV medium-voltage switchgear, as well as two medium-voltage terminal substations.

The project won government support last year, in the form of a contract for difference (CfD), in Greece’s second auction for standalone energy storage systems. Almost all other beneficiaries of the program are struggling with strict deadlines.

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October 15, 2025
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Šahmanović: Second submarine cable line with Italy to be installed by 2031

The second line of the submarine cable connecting Montenegro and Italy is expected to be completed by 2031, Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović said at the European Union – Montenegro Investment Conference.

The two-day conference, titled Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro, was opened yesterday in Luštica, near Tivat, by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić.

Fourteen cooperation projects between Montenegrin and European companies have been initiated at the conference, including investments in wind farms, solar parks, energy storage, and grids. It shows the great significance of the energy sector for investments.

A panel called Renewables: Scaling Montenegro’s Energy Transition examined the possibilities for accelerating the country’s energy transition and enhancing the sector’s attractiveness for investment in renewables.

Šahmanović: Montenegro strives to position green energy as an export product

Prominent international experts and investors took part in the discussion. Representing the Government of Montenegro, Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović outlined the country’s renewable energy priorities and highlighted Montenegro’s role as a regional leader in clean energy.

Montenegro has fully harmonized its legislation with EU standards, creating a stable and predictable investment environment, in his words. Šahmanović highlighted the launch of the first solar power auction as a significant step forward in the development of renewables.

Photo: Đorđe Cmiljanić/Government of Montenegro

“The government invests in battery energy storage systems (BESS), ensuring the flexibility and stability of the grid. Montenegro strives to position green energy as a recognizable export product, thereby strengthening the country’s economic sustainability,” Šahmanović stated.

He revealed that Montenegro is about to sign a memorandum of understanding with Italy that would additionally position Montenegro as an energy bridge between the Western Balkans and the EU.

Montenegro is looking for strategic partners and investors ready to jointly implement capital projects in the energy sector

The government is wrapping up the work concerning the oil and gas sector to close chapter 15 in its accession negotiations with the EU, further strengthening investor trust, Šahmanović said.

“The implementation of the project for the construction of the second phase of the subsea cable link with Italy is expected by 2031, which will further strengthen Montenegro’s role in regional and European energy connectivity. Montenegro is looking for strategic partners and investors ready to jointly materialize capital projects in energy and contribute to regional energy stability,” the minister underlined. The investment is estimated at EUR 500 million, he asserted.

In a message to investors, Šahmanović said Montenegro is open for investments and added: “Now is the time for you to invest. We will be your service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Participants at the panel included Daniel Calderon, Alcazar Energy Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Yann Guinard, EDF Director of Development for Europe, Louis Blanchard, Qair Energy President, and Nemanja Mikać, ElevenEs CEO.

Memorandum with EDF

Admir Šahmanović and Yann Guinard (photo: Ministry of Energy and Mining)

Within the conference, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro and EDF International Networks signed a memorandum of understanding. It establishes a framework for future cooperation on modernizing the distribution network, digitizing smart grids, and integrating renewable energy sources, according to the ministry.

The memorandum foresees the implementation of pilot projects and feasibility studies that will contribute to the acceleration of the energy transition of Montenegro.

Admir Šahmanović said the deal is an important step towards strengthening green and innovative energy projects. Cooperation with EDF confirms the position of Montenegro as a country with a clear vision and open opportunities for investors, he underscored.

“EDF International Networks, as part of the global EDF Group, brings international expertise in the sector of power distribution, grid upgrade and digital transformation, which opens up space for new strategic partnerships and capital infrastructure projects,” the minister pointed out.

The memorandum confirmed the joint commitment to sustainability, integrity and energy security, with a clear focus on the well-being of citizens and the economy of Montenegro, the ministry said.

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October 15, 2025
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EU-Montenegro Investment Conference: 14 partnerships, MoUs signed for energy, sustainable projects

A total of 14 cooperation projects between Montenegrin and European companies have been initiated at the ongoing European Union-Montenegro Investment Conference, including investments in wind farms, solar parks, energy storage, and grids.

The two-day conference, titled Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro, was opened today in Luštica, near Tivat, by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić.

Montenegro’s growing potential for strategic, green, and sustainable investments was presented through new partnerships between leading Montenegrin and European companies, according to a press release by the Government of Montenegro.

The Conference was jointly organized by the government and the European Commission, with the support of the Montenegro Investment Agency (MIA).

State power utility EPCG has signed three memoranda of understanding

State-owned power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs). One was signed with Akuo for the development of several renewable energy projects, including floating solar, a photovoltaic plant, and energy storage.

The second MoU, signed with SS&A Power Group, envisages the development, manufacture, and installation of thermal energy storage, while the third, with Wind Fisher, concerns a new technology for high-altitude wind power generation.

Alcazar Energy signed a memorandum with the government’s project management office for the development and financing of renewable energy projects. CWP Europe and the Montenegrin Investment Agency (MIA) signed a memorandum on the development of the Montečevo solar farm project with battery storage. The company signed a similar agreement for its project in Albania yesterday.

A memorandum was also signed between Čevo Solar and Grawert Jenny & Partner on battery energy storage systems (BESS). A 20 MW/60 MWh battery is being considered.

Four sustainable investment partnerships were also signed

The Ministry of Energy and Mining and EDF will further discuss the issue of modernizing Montenegro’s power distribution network.

Among the signed documents is an MoU on collaboration between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Erste on a Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP), as well as cooperation in the field of wastewater management between Suez and MIA.

In addition, four sustainable investment partnerships were also signed: Farm2Fork Montenegro, Station M, Green Logistics Hub, and Northern Investments Compact for Ecology & Resilience (NICER). Green Logistics Hub refers to the Port of Bar, which aims to become the first net-zero port on the Adriatic. NICER concerns the just transition and is led by the Pljevlja Coal Mine.

Von der Leyen: Do not wait for accession to invest in Montenegro

Photo: Bojan Gnjidić/Vlada Crne Gore

The event brought together senior representatives of the Government of Montenegro, the European Union, international financial institutions, as well as prominent European and Montenegrin investors.

“My message is very clear: do not wait for accession to invest in Montenegro, because by then you may miss the opportunities that others will seize,” Ursula von der Leyen noted.

She stressed that by continuing its European journey with determination and speed, Montenegro is making its goal of EU accession attainable.

“Today, we are opening a new chapter of development—we are beginning a major investment cycle, strengthening our ties with the European market even before formally joining the European family. Today, we are bringing our vision of green and smart growth to life. We are doing this together with our most important strategic partner—the European Union, which is also the largest investor in our country,” Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said.

He recalled that the country plans to close all negotiating chapters with the EU by the end of 2026 and become its 28th member state in 2028.

Photo: Bojan Gnjidić/Vlada Crne Gore
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October 15, 2025
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Renalfa IPP expands its Tenevo, Kaolinovo PV plants in Bulgaria with batteries

Vienna-based Renalfa IPP commissioned a 65 MW / 260 MWh battery energy storage system within its hybrid power plant project in Tenevo. Also in Bulgaria, the joint venture expanded its Kaolinovo solar power plant to 33 MW and added a BESS of 33 MW in operating power and 110 MWh in capacity.

One of the biggest hybrid power plants in Southeastern Europe is gradually coming together. Renalfa IPP, which last year marked the start of the BESS boom in Bulgaria, said it added a battery system of 65 MW in capability and 110 MWh in capacity to the Tenevo solar power plant.

Project firm Tenevo Solar Technologies is a joint venture with Denmark-based Eurowind Energy. Renalfa IPP, headquartered in Austria’s capital city, is itself a joint venture, established by clean energy and e-mobility company Renalfa Solarpro Group and French renewable energy infrastructure fund manager RGreen Invest.

Ultimately, the plan is to build a 250 MW wind farm at the Tenevo site, in Yambol province in Bulgaria’s southeast. The first 69 MW in peak capacity of the solar power plant came online two months ago, within a 237.6 MW project.

Tenevo BESS to grow to 315 MW

Tenevo is one of the biggest co-located BESS projects in Europe to date, according to Renalfa IPP, which added that it surpassed 1 GWh of energy storage in operation.

The firm aims to increase the battery facility to 315 MW and 760 MWh by early next year, when it expects to complete the solar park as well.

Solarpro Bulgaria builds both battery storage facilities

The project manager for the Tenevo BESS is Solarpro Bulgaria, part of Renalfa Solarpro Group, while Hithium and Kehua supplied the equipment. Solarpro and Hithium established cooperation two years ago and recently expanded it.

The same affiliate was the project manager and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the expansion of the Kaolinovo photovoltaic park in northeastern Bulgaria. Renalfa IPP said it grew to 33 MW in peak capacity from 10 MW, while a BESS of 33 MW and 110 MWh was also added. The facility was built in 2012.

Renalfa IPP is also active in Hungary, Romania, and North Macedonia, where it is about to add batteries to its Oslomej PV plant. In the last update, it said it has 554 MW in operational generating assets, BESS of 455 MW and 1.01 GWh in total, and over 1 GW of projects in late-stage development.

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October 14, 2025
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EU, Serbia to support ElevenEs in battery cell manufacturing expansion

At the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum in Tirana, Serbian company ElevenEs signed a joint declaration of support with representatives of the European Commission and the Development Agency of Serbia, marking a major step toward expanding battery cell manufacturing in the region.

ElevenEs CEO Nemanja Mikać signed the document in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The joint declaration of support recognizes the company’s battery manufacturing expansion as a project aligned with the European Green Deal and Global Gateway strategy. The initiative highlights ElevenEs’s role in supporting the European Union’s decarbonization goals across the energy, transport, and industrial sectors.

The signing ceremony took place on the first day of the inaugural EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, which is supported by the European Commission and aims to enhance economic cooperation and investment opportunities between European Union member states and Western Balkan partners.

“Signing this joint declaration of support with the European Commission and the Serbian Development Agency is an important recognition of the quality of the prismatic LFP blade cells battery we produce, and ElevenEs’s upcoming contribution to the EU’s decarbonization efforts, and the economic and industrial development across the region”, Mikać said.

With a EUR 700 million investment in two phases, ElevenEs will create roughly 1,000 jobs in Serbia

Mikać said the Western Balkans have the potential to become a key location for Europe’s energy storage industry, emphasizing that his company’s technological expertise and commitment to innovation demonstrate the region’s capability to be a reliable partner for the EU’s battery supply chain.

With an investment of EUR 700 million planned in two phases, ElevenEs aims to establish Serbia and the Western Balkans as a key hub for LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery cell production, creating around 1,000 new jobs. The company’s LFP blade cells are designed to meet Europe’s growing demand for batteries used in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-out from Al Pack Group, ElevenEs is building Europe’s first LFP gigafactory in Subotica. The company leverages three decades of electrode manufacturing expertise to produce long-lasting, cost-efficient batteries that support the continent’s clean energy transition.

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October 14, 2025
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CWP Europe gets European Commission’s backing for renewables projects in Albania, Montenegro

CWP Europe has signed a joint declaration with the European Commission, the Albanian Investment Development Agency, and the Montenegrin Investment Agency in support of its two landmark renewable energy projects – the Tropoja wind farm in Albania and the Montechevo solar farm with battery storage in Montenegro.

The declaration of support for CWP Europe’s projects was signed during the EU-Western Balkans Investment Forum in Albania’s capital, Tirana, in the presence of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to a press release from CWP Europe, a leading renewable energy project developer in Southeast Europe.

The 600 MW Tropoja wind farm will advance Albania’s energy independence by providing clean, affordable electricity, supporting the country’s energy strategy, the company stressed.

The 600 MW Tropoja wind farm will boost Albania’s energy independence

In Montenegro, the 400 MW Montechevo solar farm will combine solar generation with battery storage directly connected to the country’s new 400 kV transmission grid. It will leverage Montenegro’s strategic interconnections – including the undersea power cable to Italy – to maximize the export of clean electricity and its integration into the European energy market.

A new energy backbone for the Western Balkans and Europe

Speaking at the signing ceremony, von der Leyen emphasized the Western Balkans’ increasing role in Europe’s clean energy transition.

“Today you are signing several investments that will do just that. From clean energy production in all six Western Balkan partners to energy storage in Montenegro. They will bring the cost of electricity down. And they will also contribute to our collective energy independence. You are building a new energy backbone not only for the Western Balkans. But for all of Europe,” said von der Leyen.

CWP Europe CEO Dimitar Enchev signed the declaration on behalf of the company, alongside Executive Vice Presidents Maja Turković and Viktor Garbev.

Enchev: We are unlocking the region’s immense renewable energy potential

“With Tropoja and Montechevo, we are unlocking the region’s immense renewable energy potential and strengthening cooperation across the Western Balkans. We greatly appreciate the support of the European Commission, the Albanian Investment Development Agency, and the Montenegro Investment Promotion Agency in advancing this shared vision for a clean, economically competitive and secure energy future of the region and Europe as a whole,” said Enchev.

Over the past 17 years, CWP has invested in sustainable development and the energy transition, successfully developing the largest wind farms in the region, including the largest one in Europe – the 600 MW Fântânele-Cogealac project in Romania. It is currently developing over 7 GW of renewable energy capacity, according to the statement.

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October 14, 2025
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International Power Supply inaugurates Bulgaria’s first battery gigafactory

International Power Supply (IPS) opened its Factory X1, with a capacity of 3 GWh per year. It is the first gigafactory in Bulgaria for battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Recognized by the European Commission as a strategic project for a net zero industry, Factory X1 officially began production. International Power Supply (IPS) held the inauguration ceremony at the site in Chelopechene in the Kremikovtsi industrial district, part of the territory of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia.

The first battery energy storage gigafactory in the country is part of the Hemus high-tech industrial park. The facility will manufacture X-BESS modular systems of 8.2 MWh. Its annual capacity is 3 GW but IPS plans to lift it to 5 GW by the middle of next year.

Everything made in Europe except for battery cells

The company’s portfolio includes a proprietary battery management system (BMS). Actually, more than 70% of the supply chain is based in Europe, according to IPS. It includes distributed liquid cooling systems, mechanical structures, housings, electronics, control units, and inverters, the announcement reads.

“Made in Europe – the mission is possible. European know-how, European technology and IP, European sovereign BESS Gigafactory recognized as strategic manufacturing project from the European Commission. Today, it all starts – right here in Bulgaria,” said Chief Executive Officer Alexander Rangelov.

The lithium ion systems feature Chinese EVE and Cornex battery cells.

Power Technology Investment Group holds almost two thirds of IPS. It is controlled by the family of the founder Stoil Rangelov Trifonov. SIL Energy Invest is a minority partner.

Another factory could revive one of Bulgaria’s coal regions

Another manufacturing project is in the pipeline, worth EUR 160 million. It is for 10 GWh. IPS is seeking financial support from the European Union for the endeavor.

Locations in the vicinity of coal plants in the Maritsa East complex and Bobov Dol are under consideration, Economic.bg reported.

CEO Alexander Rangelov revealed that MM Energy decided to build a 10 GWh manufacturing facility in Poland using IPS’s technology.

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October 14, 2025
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Croatian IE-Energy, Slovenia’s NGEN plan virtual network of smart battery storage systems

Croatian firm IE-Energy and Slovenia’s NGEN are developing a battery system for smart energy storage, with a total operating power of 60 MW and a capacity of 120 MWh. The project, valued at 60 million, marks the first step toward creating a virtual network of battery storage systems that would connect producers and consumers of renewable energy.

The project has received a EUR 19.8 million grant from the European Union’s Modernization Fund. The funds are intended for the second and crucial phase of the project, for 50 MW, while the first phase, of 10 MW, is already in an advanced stage of implementation, Croatia’s Ministry of Economy stated following the signing of the subsidy contract.

The project, located in the Croatian city of Šibenik, is expected to be completed as early as next year, according to the statement.

IE-Energy CEO Željko Šmitran told Balkan Green Energy News it would be the first battery energy storage system in Croatia connected to the transmission grid. The project is being implemented in partnership with NGEN, which is also the main engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.

The battery modules used are Tesla Megapacks, which enable real-time grid balancing, he added. 

The virtual smart energy storage network will connect renewable power plants, industry, and households

The project represents the first step towards creating a virtual network of smart energy storage facilities that will connect renewable energy producers, industry, and households, Šmitran explained.

The entire project is connected to NGEN’s advanced technology platform, which enables participation in the markets for ancillary services, balancing, and intraday trading, as well as electricity supply, added Šmitran.

Developing a regional smart storage network

The model developed in Croatia in collaboration with NGEN is intended to be replicated in other regional markets where grid flexibility and system stability are in high demand, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, Šmitran said.

The objective is to build a regional model of smart battery storage facilities and energy communities that will ensure sustainable, reliable, and independent energy supply across Southeast Europe in the long term, he said.

In its statement, the Ministry of Economy also said that the project in Šibenik paves the way for advanced grid services, such as virtual inertia for grid stabilization.

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October 13, 2025
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North Macedonia receives applications for 4.2 GW of battery projects

North Macedonia has received requests for new wind farms, solar parks and gas power plants of 7,100 MW in total capacity, as well as for standalone batteries and ones that would be co-located with power plants, for 4,172 MW in overall operating power, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska revealed.

The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources has received an initiative for a 495 MW gas-fired cogeneration plant. Sanja Božinovska said the details are unknown as the submitted documentation is too extensive and is still being analyzed, state news agency MIA reported.

Of note, there were already proposals for gas-fired power plants in the country. The government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazancı Holding on projects for such facilities.

Investors intend to install standalone and co-located BESS

Investors submitted initiatives for wind farms of 1,590 MW altogether, as well as for a total of 402 MW and 1,080 MWh in battery energy storage systems (BESS) that would be co-located with wind farms.

So-called initiatives were also received for solar power projects totaling 5,052 MW and accompanying BESS of 1,174 MW in combined capability and 3,018 MWh in capacity. Investors plan to build standalone batteries of an overall 2,596 MW and 3,094 MWh, respectively.

Božinovska said it is great news, though that it’s more important whether the documentation is valid.

She recalled that the recently adopted Law on Energy introduced an annual construction plan for priority energy projects.

October 1 was the deadline for foreign investors to submit their projects

October 1 was the deadline for foreign investors interested in the construction of power plants to submit documentation, Božinovska noted. The ministry received a huge number of documents and it will take time to process them, she stressed.

Batteries became all the rage in the renewable energy sector worldwide. North Macedonia is set for a landmark achievement in its region.

YESS Power plans to commission a 60 MW BESS in the country next month. It would be the first large facility of its kind in the Western Balkans.

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