HELLENiQ Renewables, a member of HELLENiQ ENERGY, has completed the construction of the Group’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Thessaloniki Industrial Facilities. With an installed power capacity of 100 MW and a storage capacity of 200 MWh, the facility is one of the largest electricity storage projects developed in Greece and Southeast Europe.
The completion of this investment, totaling approximately €50 million, represents 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 renewable energy to be used more efficiently.
At the same time, the project provides valuable flexibility and balancing services to the National Electricity Transmission System in Greece, enhancing its reliability and resilience and contributing to the country’s energy security.
A significant share of renewable electricity is curtailed when real-time consumption is lower than generation. The new project enables more green energy to be utilized by storing it in the batteries and releasing it when it is needed most. As a result, it improves the efficiency of the power system, reduces renewable energy curtailments and creates the necessary grid capacity for the integration of new renewable energy units into the national system.
Sotiris Kapellos, CEO of HELLENiQ Renewables, noted: “Through continued investment in Greece and Southeast Europe over recent years, we have developed a strong portfolio of renewable energy and battery storage projects exceeding 6 GW, of which more than 700 MW are already operational. Today, we are investing strategically in electricity storage, a critical component of the energy system of the future. Batteries provide the flexibility required to integrate more renewables, reduce green energy curtailments and contribute to a more reliable, secure and cost-efficient energy system. With our first BESS project in Thessaloniki, we are taking an important step towards a more reliable, sustainable and efficient energy system, creating the conditions for cleaner and, over time, more affordable energy for consumers.”
The HELLENiQ ENERGY storage project will complete at least one full charge- discharge cycle per day, storing more than 200 MWh of electricity. This amount is equivalent to fully charging approximately 3,000 electric vehicles each day and provides a tangible illustration of the project’s contribution to the more efficient use of clean energy.
The project was selected under the first competitive tender process conducted by the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY) for energy storage systems and was implemented through Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
The green energy storage project was developed on an area of approximately 100,000 square meters at the Thessaloniki Industrial Facilities . It comprises three battery storage systems with a total installed capacity of 100 MW and a total storage capacity of 200 MWh, together with all the infrastructure required for connection to the National Electricity Transmission System.
The installed batteries use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology with a liquid cooling system and meet stringent international safety and reliability standards.
To connect the project to the grid, a new 33/150 kV step-up substation was constructed, together with an underground high-voltage transmission line extending approximately five kilometers to the Thessaloniki Extra-High Voltage Centre.
Approximately 100 direct jobs were created during construction, while the project also provided a significant boost to the local economy through cooperation with businesses and suppliers across the wider region.
The new battery park also represents an important step in the implementation of HELLENiQ ENERGY’s growth strategy and its commitment to investing in technologies and infrastructure that create long-term value for the country, its energy system and its citizens.
Construction of the Group’s second storage project, located in Florina, is expected to be completed in the near future. The project will have a power capacity of 50 MW and a storage capacity of 200 MWh.
George Alexopoulos, Deputy CEO of HELLENiQ ENERGY, stated: “Green energy storage is critical infrastructure, as it enables renewable energy production to be used more effectively, strengthens the reliability of the power system 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 in implementing its strategy to build a strong power and renewables pillar, as an integrated Group with a strong presence across the full spectrum of energy activities.”
HELLENiQ ENERGY’s renewable energy and storage project portfolio under development exceeds 6 GW, of which more than 1 GW relates to storage projects in Greece, Romania, Cyprus and Bulgaria.
HELLENiQ ENERGY’s strategic objective 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 across solar, wind and storage systems in Greece and Southeast Europe.
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