Central Europe's Storage Boom Continues

Central and Eastern Europe are experiencing a rapid expansion in battery energy storage systems (BESS), driven by the transition away from coal and the integration of renewable energy. Major European utility players are leading this charge with significant new portfolio developments in Poland and Hungary.

ENGIE's 758 MW Polish Portfolio

French energy group ENGIE has successfully assembled a massive 758 MW / 2,156 MWh battery storage portfolio in Poland. This capacity was secured through three major projects acquired over the past two months, with commissioning scheduled for 2028-2029. The portfolio features a 320 MW / 1,280 MWh integrated facility at Tursko Wielkie in Osiek, combining two adjacent developments, alongside a 438 MW / 876 MWh project in the Łódź region. These projects will feature direct connections to substations to optimize electrical performance, capitalizing on Poland's emergence as a major storage market.

Poland is rapidly transitioning from a coal-dominated system to a renewable-heavy grid, making utility-scale battery storage essential for maintaining system stability.

E.ON's Distributed Storage in Hungary

In Hungary, E.ON Hungaria has commissioned four distributed battery facilities on its distribution network in Puspokszilagy, Erdokertes, Saregres, and Devecser. These automated systems add 4 MW of power and 12 MWh of storage capacity, specifically designed to manage expanding local solar generation and short-term demand swings. By providing rapid reserve capacity and local voltage support, the batteries absorb surplus daytime solar output and mitigate evening peak demands.

EU Funding and Strategic Growth

The Hungarian investment, totaling approximately €8.2 million, was supported by the EU Modernisation Fund. This strategic funding aims to address local congestion and voltage problems before requiring more expensive conventional network reinforcement. Globally, ENGIE's total storage portfolio, including BESS and pumped-storage hydropower, has now surpassed 10 GW, underscoring the strategic importance of flexibility assets in the European energy mix.

Source: Energy and Climate Index / Serbia Energy

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