In a milestone for Romania’s green energy push, the country’s Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja has signed the nation’s first financing contracts under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), dedicated to supporting domestic production of photovoltaic panels and expanding battery storage capacity.
The ministry said that the contracts are part of it’s so-called Investment 4.3, focused on storage, and Investment 4.2, promoting solar panel production within the European Union.
Minister Burduja emphasised the importance of these developments in enhancing Romania’s energy independence.
“Investments in electricity storage are essential to balance the energy system. Storage capabilities enable us to store green energy generated from solar and wind sources, providing cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective power, even when conditions aren’t optimal,” Minister Burduja stated.
“Today’s contracts also back domestic production, reducing reliance on photovoltaic imports and building local manufacturing capacity,” he added.
Investment 4.3 – Battery Storage for Energy Stability
Ministry officials said that two contracts were signed to initiate battery-based electricity storage projects with a goal of adding at least 240 MW, or 480 MWh, of storage capacity. The projects were awarded to:
- Societatea Energetică Electrica: Construction of storage infrastructure with facilities, substations, and necessary grid connections, worth 16.87 million lei (around 3.39 million euros) with a storage capacity of 69.93 MWh.
- Renovatio Trading: Development of a battery storage facility in Toplița, valued at 15.16 million lei (about 3.05 million euros), supporting 60.96 MWh in storage.
Investment 4.2 – Building Romania’s Solar Panel Production Capacity
With an objective to boost production capacities to at least 200 MW/year, the ministry said it signed its first contract to support the development of a new photovoltaic panel factory:
- SC KBK Kraft Projekt: Establishment of a facility in Sfântu Gheorghe to manufacture photovoltaic modules, backed by 19.37 million lei (roughly 3.89 million euros) in non-reimbursable funds. The factory is projected to have an annual capacity of 140 MW.
Officials said that the investment aligns with Romania’s vision of strengthening energy security and fostering local manufacturing within the EU’s energy value chain. The ministry said it is optimistic that these projects will enhance Romania’s energy system and support the nation’s transition to sustainable energy.