The Greek Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has increased its target for a merchant standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) rollout to 3. 55 GW against the background of rising demand for flexible power and strong investment interest in the market.
Does Greece have a battery storage pipeline?
Greece has emerged as one of the countries with the largest pipeline of battery storage projects, but as yet there has been little activity on the ground. This is changing as the long-awaited storage subsidy auctions have started, with the first projects being awarded support for both investment and operating costs.
Considering the energy arbitrage and flexibility needs of the Greek power system, a mix of short (~2 MWh/MW) and longer (>6 MWh/MW) duration storages has been identified as optimal. In the short run, storage is primarily needed for balancing services and to a smaller degree for limited energy arbitrage.
Does Greece have a zero-subsidy battery system?
The much-awaited ministerial decree for zero-subsidy standalone battery systems has been published in Greece. So far, Greece has provided support to 900 MW of standalone storage projects under three previous auctions.
What is Greece's new battery storage program?
Greece's new battery storage program has taken into account the areas most congested by the output of renewable power stations as well as the kind of renewable projects connected to the grid.
Should Greece invest in energy storage facilities?
Currently there is a growing interest for investments in storage facilities in Greece. Licensed projects mostly consist of Li-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS), either stand-alone or integrated in PVs, as well as PHS facilities .
Why is Greece launching a battery storage auction?
Initially a response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the focus has pivoted to support Greece's green energy transition. The storage auctions themselves require further approval under EU State aid rules. The pipeline of prospective battery storage projects now approaches 27GW, with over 500 projects granted a storage license.