Aukera, the pan-European platform for battery energy storage and renewable energy, supported by AtlasInvest, Reggeborgh and SFPIM (Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund), announces the signing of a 48.5 million euro financing agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, for the second phase of the Gura Ialomiței Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Romania.
The package includes a 40 million euro CapEx financing and an additional 8.5 million euro VAT tranche. The financing will support the construction of the remaining 100 MW / 200 MWh capacity, thus completing Aukera’s 250 MW / 500 MWh Gura Ialomiței benchmark project – which will become the largest operational battery energy storage capacity in Romania and one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. The second phase is expected to enter commercial operation in early 2027.
The financing builds on the successful execution of Phase 1 – 150 MW / 300 MWh – which obtained a EUR 60 million credit facility from Kommunalkredit Austria AG in November 2025 and was successfully completed in June 2026. With two project financings closed for both phases, involving two international financial institutions and over EUR 100 million in loan financing, the project demonstrates Aukera’s ability to efficiently originate, finance, build and operate large-scale energy infrastructure.
As renewable energy generation continues to expand in Romania, large-capacity battery storage is becoming critical infrastructure – providing the flexibility needed to balance supply and demand, support grid stability and improve the utilization of existing transmission networks. Once completed, Gura Ialomiței BESS will support a more resilient power system, while enabling greater integration of renewable energy into the Romanian electricity grid.
“The successful completion of the financing of the second phase of the Gura Ialomiței project sends a clear signal regarding the quality of this project and the opportunity to exist in the Romanian energy storage market. As a co-founder of a platform now active in five European countries, attracting international capital of this magnitude to Romania is particularly significant. Gura Ialomiței BESS has so far secured over 100 million euro in loan financing, and is only our first project in a Romanian portfolio that will be substantial,” says Cătălin Breaban, Aukera Co-Founder.
“The financing of both phases of the Gura Ialomiței project – two project financings with two international institutions – reflects Aukera’s maturity in structured finance. Attracting a partner of IFC’s caliber is an important moment for the company. Their participation strengthens our relationships with financing partners and confirms the bankability of battery energy storage projects, projects supported by disciplined development and implementation by an experienced team,” adds Aiden Yates, Managing Director – Head of Structured Finance Division at Aukera.
“Battery energy storage opens a new chapter in Romania’s energy transition. By contributing to pioneering financing for this emerging sector, IFC paves the way for greater private investment in the country’s sustainable and competitive energy future. A more secure and reliable energy system also provides the foundation for a more competitive economy, which can support sustainable job creation,” says Marcelo Castellanos, World Bank Group Country Manager for Romania.
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