Eastern Europe - Strategic Energy Europe

The Ministry of Climate and Environment of Poland has published a new regulation that provides a budget of over 4 billion zlotys to finance facilities with a capacity of at least 2 MW, covering up to 65% of eligible costs for small businesses. The program aims to add at least 5.4 GWh of new storage capacity to improve the stability of the electrical grid.

March 18, 2025
Renewable microinstallations in Poland: Over 12.7 GW of installed capacity in 2024

Poland’s microinstallation sector reached a historic milestone in 2024, with more than 1.5 million units and a total installed capacity of 12.7 GW. Solar energy dominates the landscape, accounting for 99% of all installations. However, the sector’s rapid growth poses challenges for grid stability and the energy market.

March 13, 2025
Romania to expand clean-energy production with EUR 30 million EIB support

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will invest up to 30 million euros in the “Pestera II” wind project, which will have a capacity of 400 MW and supply power to over 1.4 million households. This investment supports the European Union’s sustainability and climate neutrality goals.

March 13, 2025
More than 32 GW of renewables in Poland, but market stability remains in question

With 21,618 MW of photovoltaic capacity and 10,852 MW of wind farms as of early 2025, Poland continues to expand its renewable energy sector. However, the growing share of these sources in the electricity system raises challenges for market stability, including price fluctuations, grid congestion risks, and the need for better storage and demand management mechanisms.

March 12, 2025
With €279 million in aid, Czechia aims to double its energy storage capacity

The European Commission has approved a €279 million aid scheme to develop 1,500 MWh of new energy storage facilities in Czechia. Currently, the country has 1.19 GW operational, and with this plan, it aims to strengthen its transition towards a more resilient power grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

March 7, 2025
Estonia breaks record with 513 MW of new solar capacity in 2024 but faces market saturation

According to Eesti Taastuvenergia Koda, this progress is driven by falling technology costs, state incentives, and the need to compensate for a 40% electricity generation deficit. However, this rapid expansion faces market and infrastructure challenges, raising questions about its long-term sustainability.

March 6, 2025
Romania’s challenge: Strengthening its power grid for renewable expansion

According to Eusebiu-Valentin Stamate, Policy Analyst at Issue Monitoring, the country is implementing regulatory and investment measures to strengthen transmission infrastructure and ensure system stability. He also points out that energy storage and green hydrogen will be key tools to stabilize the grid and meet the 85% decarbonization target by 2030 and 94% by 2050.

March 6, 2025
Austria: Land Burgenland and Burgenland Energie partner with EIB on largest wind and solar project portfolio

Burgenland Energie has developed a wind and solar project portfolio in Burgenland encompassing some 2 000 MW of wind and solar power generation capacity by 2030 – around 20% of Austria’s current solar and wind energy capacity. The EIB has signed agreements for the largest green energy financing package in Austria it has ever been a part of. Project Tomorrow is an important flagship project to make Burgenland one of the world’s first net climate-neutral and energy-independent regions by 2030.

March 5, 2025
SolarPower Europe launches new initiative for European solar manufacturers to tap into global markets

The International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI) was launched in Brussels in the presence of representatives from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, with a statement of support from eight European solar manufacturers.

February 19, 2025
Today industry leaders debate the future of renewable energy in the “Storage, Renewable and Electric Vehicles Integration Forum”

Follow the Storage, Renewable and Electric Vehicles Integration Forum today from 1:00 PM (Central European Time). A free virtual event where industry leaders will discuss the future of energy and electric mobility. The forum will feature renowned companies such as Jinko Solar, and Black&Veatch.Don’t miss it!

February 16, 2025
Poland at a key energy crossroads: The reform that could transform its renewable market

Poland’s Energy Law reform aims to improve energy security and accelerate the integration of renewables. However, its impact will depend on removing bureaucratic obstacles, strengthening energy storage, and optimising public investment. Michał Sobczyk, Senior Technology Developer at European Energy, analyses the challenges and opportunities presented by this regulatory shift in a conversation with Strategic Energy Europe.

February 14, 2025
Poland takes a strong stand in the Baltic: Europe’s new offshore wind powerhouse

The country is making significant strides in developing key infrastructure for offshore wind farms, with an estimated potential of 33 GW in the Baltic Sea. “This is a very significant development. Offshore wind is growing and has the potential to generate electricity competitively and affordably,” says Christoph Zipf, Press & Communications Manager at WindEurope, to Strategic Energy Europe.

February 11, 2025
Poland to invest 700 billion zlotys in 2025 with energy transformation as a key pillar

The economic plan presented by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Finance Minister Andrzej Domański includes a record-breaking investment in energy infrastructure. The strategy prioritises offshore wind farms, the expansion of transmission networks, and the construction of nuclear power plants.

February 10, 2025
Romania leaves more than 1,200 MW out of its latest auction: Can PPAs absorb the surplus?

The recent Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction in Romania left more than 1,200 MW of renewable capacity—mainly solar—without subsidies. While wind developers secured contracts at competitive prices, solar projects are now looking for alternatives in the corporate and cross-border PPA markets. The key question remains: are there enough buyers to absorb this volume? Imre Vass analyzes PPA market trends in a conversation with Strategic Energy Europe.

February 6, 2025
Romania Installed 700 MW of Renewables in 2024 and Prepares to Double Its Capacity in 2025

In an interview with Strategic Energy Europe, Romania’s Ministry of Energy highlighted a record-breaking year in 2024, with the addition of 1,200 MW of new energy capacity, 700 MW of which came from renewable sources. As part of this progress, 333 MW were connected in December, stemming from 116 awarded projects. Looking ahead to 2025, the country aims to double this capacity, strengthening its commitment to renewable expansion and modernizing its electricity infrastructure.

February 6, 2025
Trend of PPAs in Romania: Prices between 65 and 85 €/MWh and Awaiting Regulatory Changes

The trend of PPAs in Romania has tripled its contract volume in 2024, with prices ranging between 65 and 85 €/MWh. However, according to Corina Melchor, Senior Clean Energy Advisor at Trio Advisory, regulatory uncertainty and the low liquidity of the market present challenges for the sustained growth of long-term power purchase agreements.

February 3, 2025
Poland’s capacity market and the urgent need to balance renewables with flexible generation

Poland faces a power capacity deficit of up to 120 GW by 2040, according to Forum Energii. While renewables are taking the lead, the capacity market struggles to attract investments in flexible technologies and gas units, which are critical to ensuring grid stability.

January 27, 2025
Europe after Trump’s re-election: A threat or an opportunity for renewables?

The shift in priorities in the United States towards oil & gas and artificial intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities for the renewable energy industry, particularly in Europe, where the wind energy sector and supply chain could benefit from eased competition.

January 27, 2025120 GW deficit: Poland’s capacity market and the urgent need to balance renewables with flexible generation

Grzegorz Onichimowski

President

PSE

January 27, 2025
120 GW deficit: Poland’s capacity market and the urgent need to balance renewables with flexible generation

In the 2024 energy auctions, Poland awarded more than 1.6 GW of renewable capacity, with 91% allocated to photovoltaic projects. Maciej Jakubik, an expert in EU regulations and policies at Forum Energii, explains to Strategic Energy Europe the reason behind this phenomenon and the regulatory challenges faced by wind projects.

January 20, 2025
Romania achieves record growth in solar energy in 2024 and plans to add 2 GW more in 2025