HELLENiQ Renewables, a member of HELLENiQ ENERGY, has completed construction of the Group’s first battery-based electricity storage project (Battery Energy Storage System – BESS) at the Group’s industrial facilities in Thessaloniki.
With an installed capacity of 100 MW and a storage capacity of 200 MWh, it is one of the largest battery energy storage projects ever implemented in Greece and Southeast Europe.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The completion of this investment, totaling approximately 50 million euros, marks a significant milestone for HELLENiQ ENERGY, as it expands its portfolio beyond electricity generation from renewable energy sources, by investing in the critical infrastructure that enables its more efficient utilization.
At the same time, the project provides valuable flexibility and balancing services to the National Electricity Transmission System, as it enhances its reliability and resilience and contributes to the country’s energy security.
A significant portion of the energy generated from renewable sources is lost when instantaneous consumption is lower than generation. With this new project, more green energy can now be utilized; it is stored in the battery to be used when we need it most. As a result, the efficiency of the power system is enhanced, reducing curtailments of renewable energy generation and creating the necessary “electricity capacity” to integrate new renewable energy units into the national grid.
Sotiris Kapellos, CEO of HELLENiQ Renewables, notes: “Through continuous investments in recent years in Greece and Southeast Europe, we have developed a strong portfolio of renewable energy and battery projects exceeding 6 GW, of which more than 700 MW are already in operation. Today, we are strategically investing in Energy Storage, a critical infrastructure for the energy system of the future. Batteries provide the flexibility needed to integrate more renewable energy, minimize green energy losses, and contribute to a more reliable, safe, and cost-effective energy system. With our first BESS project in Thessaloniki, we are taking a significant step toward a more reliable, sustainable, and efficient energy system, laying the groundwork for cleaner and, in the long term, more affordable energy for the benefit of consumers.”
HELLENiQ ENERGY’s storage project will perform at least one full charge-and-discharge cycle per day, storing more than 200 MWh of electricity. This amount is equivalent to fully charging approximately 3,000 electric vehicles every day, tangibly demonstrating the project’s contribution to the better utilization of clean energy.
The project was selected as part of the RAEY’s First Competitive Procedure for energy storage systems and was implemented through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” with funding from the European Union—NextGenerationEU.
Large-scale green electricity storage
The green energy storage project was developed on a site of approximately 100 stremmata at the Thessaloniki Industrial Facilities, and includes three storage stations with a total capacity of 100 MW and a total storage capacity of 200 MWh, as well as all the necessary infrastructure for interconnection with the National Electricity Transmission System.
The installed batteries utilize Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology with a liquid cooling system and meet the most stringent international safety and reliability standards.
To connect the project to the grid, a new 33/150 kV step-up substation and an underground high-voltage transmission line approximately five kilometers long to the Thessaloniki Extra-High-Voltage Center.
During construction, approximately 100 direct jobs were created, and the project significantly boosted the local economy through collaboration with businesses and suppliers in the wider region.
The new battery park also represents a significant step toward implementing HELLENiQ ENERGY’s growth strategy and its commitment to investing in technologies and infrastructure that create long-termvalue for the country, the energy system, and citizens.
Construction of the Group’s second energy storage project in Florina, with a capacity of 50 MW and a storage capacity of 200 MWh, is expected to be completed in the near future.
HELLENiQ ENERGY’s Deputy CEO, George Alexopoulos, stated: “Green energy storage is a critical piece of infrastructure, as it allows for better utilization of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, enhances the reliability of the power grid, and creates the conditions for greater energy security and access to sustainable, affordable energy for all.
With the completion of its first electricity storage project, HELLENiQ ENERGY is taking another decisive step toward implementing its strategy to establish a strong pillar in electricity and renewable energy, as a vertically integrated Group with a strong presence across the entire spectrum of energy activities.”
Today, HELLENiQ ENERGY’s portfolio of renewable energy and storage projects under development exceeds 6 GW of capacity, of which more than 1 GW consists of energy storage projects in Greece, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
HELLENiQ ENERGY’s strategic goal is to have 1.5 GW of renewable energy projects in operation by 2028 and more than 2 GW by 2030, with a balanced presence in solar, wind power, and energy storage systems in Greece and Southeast Europe.
