The battery energy storage system (BESS) project that Hidroelectrica is developing in the Crucea Nord Wind Farm exceeded 80% completion at the beginning of 2026, with the company indicating a “significant” pace of execution, faster than initially estimated. Under these circumstances, the new completion and commissioning date is May 2026, instead of the summer of 2027, as previously forecast.

According to information provided by the company, all nine storage batteries for the project—with a total capacity of 36 MW/72 MWh—were delivered and installed in their final position on December 30, 2025.

According to Hidroelectrica, the BESS Crucea Nord project consolidates the company’s role as a strategic player in developing storage solutions and supporting the integration of renewable sources into the National Energy System, by increasing its flexibility, safety, and sustainability.

Investment of nearly 80 million lei in Hidroelectrica’s first battery storage project

The BESS project in Crucea Nord is the first investment of this type for Hidroelectrica. The contract for the purchase of the Li-ion battery storage facility was signed with the Prime Batteries Technology – Enevo Group consortium, at a value of 79.8 million lei excluding VAT. Once commissioned, the facility will have a nominal power of 36 MW and a storage capacity of 72 MWh.

In April 2025, Hidroelectrica stated that the main objectives of the project were to reduce internal imbalances in the wind farm, provide balancing services for the energy system, improve turbine performance, and reduce wear and tear on electromechanical systems.

BESS integrated into a 108 MW wind farm

The storage facility is implemented in the Crucea Nord Wind Farm (Constanța), active since 2014 and with an installed capacity of 108 MW. In Hidroelectrica’s portfolio, the project is seen as a concrete step towards a more stable mode of operation for wind power production, including the possibility of providing services to the national system.