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October 7, 2025
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Green light for one of first standalone battery investments in Cyprus

The Cypriot Department of Environment has approved the project for what is set to become one of the country’s first battery energy storage systems. HESS Hybrid Energy Storage Systems is planning to install a 59 MW facility with a capacity of 120 MWh, which would ease the strain on the European Union’s only non-interconnected electricity grids.

Pressured by curtailments of renewable electricity and frequent outages amid a lack of flexibility, Cyprus is in a rush to install battery energy storage systems (BESS). Stabilizing the grid is challenging also because of delays in the introduction of gas and the Great Sea Interconnector project, as the island country is the only one in the European Union without a power transmission link to the rest of the 27-member bloc.

Soon after state-owned Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) launched a tender for a contractor for two BESS facilities, a private firm received a green light from the Department of Environment for a planned investment.

HESS Hybrid Energy Storage Systems is developing a project for a standalone battery system with 59 MW in operating power, which would consist of just as many units. Having 2 MWh in capacity each, the installation would amount to 120 MWh in nominal terms.

Water protection, relocation of olive trees are among obligatory measures

The department ruled that an environmental impact study isn’t required, but under several mitigation measures. For instance, the developer must deliver excess excavation material to a licensed entity, and use surface soil for landscaping.

Olive trees would be removed, and the groundwater and local water stream protected. The project involves underground cabling and wetting to contain dust during construction.

Grid development plan indicates 2029 for commissioning

The 4.9-hectare location is in Psevda in Larnaca district, near the 10.8 MW Ayia Anna (Agia Anna) wind park. The BESS would have a 50 MW connection to the 132 kV transmission grid, and an effective storage capacity of 100 MWh, documentation shows.

It would include an on-site substation, eight medium-voltage transformer units and 259 converters. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus plans to upgrade the nearby Psevdas high-voltage substation by 2029 to integrate the standalone battery system.

Construction work is expected to last ten months, while the cost of the BESS project is valued at EUR 22 million.

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October 7, 2025
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Software maker Volue acquires power trading, battery optimization platform smartPulse

Volue took over smartPulse, accelerating the expansion into Central and Eastern Europe, Southern Europe and Turkey, with its power trading and battery optimization capabilities.

Software maker Volue said it has completed a deal to acquire smartPulse, a full-suite short-term power trading and battery optimization platform for asset owners and aggregators across Europe. It significantly accelerates the expansion into Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Southern Europe and Türkiye, according to the announcement.

The takeover will expand the offering with a comprehensive suite that now covers forecasting, position management, scheduling and nomination, day-ahead bidding, intraday trading, battery optimization and asset connectivity, Volue said. The company said it provides solutions and systems powering the green transition as well as insights to industries critical to society. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, it is active in more than 40 countries.

Volue pointed out that it is strengthening its capabilities with smartPulse’s proven platform and seasoned team, adding that they bring decades of expertise in one of Europe’s fastest-growing power markets.

SmartPulse to benefit from Volue’s resources, expertise, commercial team

Founded in 2018 in Turkey, smartPulse is a certified independent software vendor (ISV) at EPEX Spot, Nord Pool and various other European energy exchanges, with more than 80 energy market specialists.

The firm expressed confidence it would benefit from Volue’s resources, expertise and commercial team to further accelerate its development and geographic expansion while also strengthening its end-to-end value proposition.

Jointly connecting assets to markets

“With this acquisition, we accelerate our expansion into new European markets and strengthen our position as a full-suite provider for renewable asset operators. The move directly enhances our battery storage and optimisation capabilities, deepens our presence across regions, and supports our ambition of becoming the leading global independent energy software player,” said Volue’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Transformation Officer Martin Vieider.

The transaction enables smartPulse to accelerate its European rollout of transmission system operator (TSO) connections and broaden its suite internationally, while giving customers the confidence of a market-leading global partner, according to CEO and co-founder Önder Akar

“We share Volue’s ambition of connecting assets to markets, and we’re excited to scale that vision together,” he stated.

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October 7, 2025
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Slovenia allocates EUR 375 million for sustainable mobility

Slovenia has allocated EUR 835 million from the Climate Fund for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The funds should be used over the period 2025-2028.

The Government of Slovenia has adopted a decree on the allocation plan for the Climate Fund for 2025-2028. The plan follows the key measures from the previous plan for the period 2023-2026 and adds funds for 2027 and 2028. The amount is determined based on expected revenues from emission allowance auctions.

Emission allowances are part of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

The funds will be directed to sectors addressing the main climate challenges, both in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Measures supporting the green transition and increasing the country’s resilience to climate change will also be supported, according to the Government of Slovenia.

EUR 121 million was allocated for decarbonizing the economy

The largest chunk will go to sustainable mobility – EUR 375 million. The funds will be used for investments in public transport – purchase of new trains and buses, renovation of ticketing and information systems, co-financing of zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure, promotion of cycling and walking, and shifting freight transport from roads to rail.

EUR 121 million is designated for decarbonizing the economy. The government will co-finance successful European Union projects, support the introduction of a circular economy and sustainable reporting for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as investments in industrial decarbonization.

Energy renovation of public and residential buildings, measures to reduce energy poverty, and the construction of nearly zero-energy buildings are also part of the allocation plan. There is EUR 111 million for such activities.

EUR 26 million is set for awareness raising and education

EUR 95 million is designated for renewable energy sources. The funds will be used to replace outdated household heating devices with modern ones and heat pumps, as well as for energy storage, geothermal energy, and measures to increase the energy self-sufficiency of buildings.

The Climate Fund will support additional climate change adaptation measures. The activities include reducing flood risks, preserving biodiversity, adaptation in forestry and agriculture, and strengthening the resilience of local communities. The allocated funds amount to EUR 49 million.

Slovenia has envisaged EUR 12 million for international climate change financing and EUR 26 million for awareness raising and education.

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October 7, 2025
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Econergy to assume 100% ownership of Romania’s biggest solar park, add batteries

Econergy agreed to buy out Nofar’s 50% stake in the 155 MW Rătești photovoltaic plant, the largest in Romania. The next step is to add a 120 MW battery energy storage system.

Econergy Renewable Energy said its subsidiary Econergy International, in which it holds 75.2%, has signed an agreement with Nofar Energy to acquire the partner company’s entire 50% stake in the Rătești solar power plant. The facility northwest of Bucharest, in Argeș county, is the largest in Romania. It has 155 MW in peak capacity.

Following the transaction, Econergy will hold 100% ownership and assume control of the shareholder loan previously provided by Nofar, of EUR 14.9 million, according to the update. The total consideration for the transaction is €45.6 million, payable in three instalments through June 2026.

Both companies are based in Israel. Econergy expects a capital gain of EUR 13 million from the deal. Like with some of its other investments in Romania, it plans to add a 120 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The operator values the investment at EUR 32 million.

The battery storage facility is expected to enter commercial operation in the second quarter of next year, Econergy revealed. It would generate an additional EUR 15 million in annual revenue and EUR 12 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – EBITDA, the announcement reads.

Econergy said its portfolio of solar, wind and storage projects in Romania amounts to 3.5 GW. It includes 473 MW in operation or facilities that are ready to connect, 763 MW under construction and 395 MW scheduled to begin construction by the end of the year. Total project pipeline exceeds 14 GW.

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October 6, 2025
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City of Pirot in Serbia plans solar power plant on remediated unsanitary landfill

The City of Pirot plans to build a solar power plant on the site of a former unsanitary landfill when it is remediated. The move would strengthen its leadership position in Serbia regarding the use of renewable energy and environmental protection.

In 2013, Pirot opened a regional sanitary landfill, which cost EUR 11 million. It enabled the local authority to shut down an unsanitary landfill on the right bank of the Nišava river. However, the land still hasn’t been remediated and reclaimed.

Now the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia has approved EUR 2 million for the works, Serbia’s public broadcaster RTS reported. With the completion of remediation, the possibility opens up for the six hectares of land in the country’s southeast to be repurposed.

Solar panels would be installed on three hectares

Mayor of Pirot Vladan Vasić said that the documentation for the remediation of the landfill is complete. The city intends to add EUR 500,000 to the EUR 2 million received from the government and complete the first phase. He plans for the second phase to be approved next year, to solve the decades-long issue in an environmentally acceptable way.

Vasić revealed one and a half to two hectares would be allocated for businesses, adding that the purpose of the remaining land is still under consideration.

A photovoltaic plant would be the most cost-effective solution

One idea is to install a 3 MW solar power plant that would supply electricity to the city authority, he pointed out.

Other ideas are a football stadium, a golf course, afforestation, and a park. The photovoltaic plant would be the most cost-effective solution, Vasić added.

Of note, there is a solar power plant on the roof of the building of public waste utility Regional Landfill Pirot. The 150 kW facility began operating in August last year. The city officials claim it is the largest PV plant in Pirot county.

The first cooperative solar power plants in Serbia are located on the Stara Planina mountain

Pirot is also developing a regional waste management center. In 2022, the city signed a contract for the construction of the second landfill body, a composting plant, and a biogas facility.

The additional segment would extend the operation of the sanitary landfill by 20 years, while the biogas collection system would enable the collection of methane from the landfill.

A system for treating construction waste to enable material recycling is planned as well.

As for solar energy, not far from the city, the Stara Planina mountain is the home of the first cooperative solar power plants in Serbia. The local authority participated in the project. They were put into operation last year.

In mid-2023, PV projects were under development for over 125 MW in total capacity on the city’s territory. Of note, this year Pirot became the 13th local authority to join the Clean Air Regions Initiative, initiated by the Energy Community Secretariat.

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October 6, 2025
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Romanian town signs partnership for 200 MW solar park with BESS

A firm recently established by Turkish and Romanian investors has launched a public-private partnership with the local authority in Târgu Lăpuș in northern Transylvania. They are planning a hybrid power plant worth EUR 100 million.

A public-private partnership in the making in northern Romania is aimed at building a 200 MW photovoltaic plant, the largest in Transylvania, with a battery energy storage system, 2Mnews reported. Global Energy Asset, a firm founded by Turkish and Romanian investors less than half a year ago, has signed a deal with the municipal authority in Târgu Lăpuș.

The investors value the project at EUR 100 million. They intend to install the facility on 200 hectares on the territory of the town, also known as Magyarlápos. Târgu Lăpuș is in Maramureș County.

The seat of Global Energy Asset, formerly known as Global Finance Asset, is Tunari in Ilfov county near Bucharest. In addition to financial benefits and covering the costs of electricity for street lighting, its representatives offered the local authority scholarships for children and sponsorship of events and institutions, the article reveals.

The project firm’s largest shareholder reportedly has ties with Feridun Geçgel of Astor Enerji

Muhammed Ishak Çiftçi, who has Romanian citizenship, controls 48% of the project firm. According to the news outlet, he is associated with Turkish billionaire Feridun Geçgel, Chairman of the Board of Astor Enerji.

It is the largest manufacturer of transformers in Turkey. Astor Enerji entered the Romanian photovoltaic market this year by acquiring four projects for 279 MW in total.

In August, Swiss energy storage provider Energy Vault agreed to supply up to 2 GWh of battery capacity for the Turkish company’s future solar power plants in Romania. Astor Enerji is listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (Borsa Istanbul).

Head of Global Energy Asset, lawyer Cătălin Iulian Marin, holds 25%, and there are four more co-owners.

Approving the proposal for the public-private partnership, Târgu Lăpuș town hall cited the need for business ventures amid economic difficulties. Namely, furniture manufacturer Taparo, which supplied IKEA and was the biggest business in the area, has become insolvent.

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