Romania’s energy market is taking important steps towards the integration of renewable energy, and Monsson’s plan to develop a massive new electricity storage power plant in Constanța county is a key moment. With an estimated capacity of 2,016 MWh, this project will become one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and the €540 million investment promises to benefit both the Romanian energy system and the local battery industry.
In the context of the growing need for renewable energy storage solutions to stabilize the grid and avoid unused surplus, Monsson, one of Romania’s largest renewable energy companies, has applied for an environmental permit from the Constanta Environmental Protection Agency for a huge battery power plant in Stupina, Crucea commune, Constanta county. The plant, which will cover an area of 20 hectares, is planned to have a capacity of 2,016 MWh, compared to the 24 MWh capacity of the plant inaugurated in April by the same company. It is the first in a series of developments aimed at increasing Romania’s capacity to incorporate renewable energy. Unlike other projects, the new storage plant will largely incorporate local components and Monsson could choose either batteries made by Prime Battery Technology in Romania or Northvolt, a Swedish company with a battery factory in Poland, to make this major investment.
Monsson chose to place the batteries in a building without containers, a technical decision similar to that used in its previous project, suggesting a possible bias towards Romanian batteries produced by Prime Battery Technology. However, to be able to support an order of this size, the Romanian company would have to multiply its production capacity dozens of times. The capacity increase could be supported by the European Commission, given the interest in promoting European products. However, the option of also working with the Swedes from Northvolt remains open, especially as such an order could help the Swedish manufacturer overcome some of the financial challenges it is currently facing.
Monsson’s ambitious plan, which will become one of the largest storage projects in Europe, alongside other major European initiatives, clearly shows the need and opportunity for a new battery manufacturing industry in Romania. The involvement of the authorities and support for the development of this industry could turn Romania into a major player on the European green energy market. Although the final decision on the battery suppliers has not yet been announced, the new Monsson project in Constanta is emerging as a strategic investment for Romania’s energy transition. The location in Constanta County could accelerate the development of a national battery industry and attract new investments in the green energy sector, strengthening Romania’s position as a regional hub for renewable energy and energy storage technology.
