TL;DR
Airengy and Hagag Europe plan to develop a 5 GWh compressed-air energy storage plant in Romania, utilizing Airengy’s proprietary AirBattery technology. The project aims for commercial operation by early 2028. This marks a significant step in long-duration energy storage development in Europe.
Airengy and Hagag Europe have announced plans to develop a 5 GWh compressed-air energy storage (CAES) plant in Romania, with commercial operation targeted for early 2028. The project involves a combined investment of approximately €55 million and marks a significant milestone in deploying long-duration storage technology in Europe.
The Romanian CAES project will utilize Airengy’s proprietary AirBattery technology, which uses underground salt caverns to store compressed air. The project will be developed in two phases, with an initial capacity of around 200 MWh and a total storage capacity reaching up to 5 GWh. The plant will be located in Romania, leveraging existing salt caverns and nearby grid infrastructure.
Hagag Europe and Airengy will each hold a 40% stake through a special purpose company, with a third, unnamed partner owning the remaining 20%. Airengy will handle planning, design, construction, and operation of the plant, which is expected to begin construction in 2027. The first phase, costing about €4.5 million, will involve deploying roughly 200 MWh of storage capacity.
Airengy’s AirBattery technology is a long-duration energy storage solution that relies solely on air and water, with no polluting materials or rare metals. During charging, excess electricity compresses air into underground salt caverns. During discharging, the compressed air drives a hydraulic turbine to generate electricity, integrating with existing grid systems. The technology is designed for low wear and minimal maintenance, with an operational lifespan expected to span decades.
Why the Romanian CAES Project Represents a Major Step Forward
This project is significant because it demonstrates the commercial viability of long-duration energy storage using Airengy’s proprietary technology in a European context. With a capacity of up to 5 GWh, it will provide grid balancing and storage for renewable energy integration, addressing key challenges in decarbonizing electricity systems. The involvement of Hagag Europe, leveraging existing salt caverns, underscores the potential for repurposing industrial infrastructure for sustainable energy solutions.
As Europe seeks to expand its energy storage capacity to meet decarbonization targets, this project sets a precedent for scalable, environmentally friendly storage solutions that can operate for decades with minimal maintenance. It also signals growing investor confidence in long-duration storage technologies as part of the continent’s energy transition.
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Long-Range Development of AirBattery Technology in Europe
Airengy has been developing its AirBattery technology since early trials in Israel, starting with a 10 kW pilot and now operating a 250 kW plant. The technology’s focus on using underground salt caverns for storage aligns with existing infrastructure in several European countries. The Romanian project is among the first large-scale commercial applications of this technology in Europe, following Airengy’s collaborations with partners in Germany and the UK.
Romania’s salt caverns, some with existing grid connections and industrial facilities nearby, present an attractive opportunity for deploying long-duration storage. The country’s focus on expanding renewable energy capacity and integrating more decarbonized sources makes it a strategic location for this type of infrastructure.
“The Romanian project demonstrates confidence in Airengy’s long-duration storage technology, which complements existing renewable energy systems.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Uncertainties About Project Timeline and Scale
While the project is scheduled to begin construction in 2027 with commercial operation in early 2028, specific details about the final capacity, operational milestones, and potential regulatory hurdles remain unconfirmed. The exact timeline for phased capacity expansion beyond initial deployment is also unclear.
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Next Steps for Project Development and Deployment
Airengy and Hagag Europe are expected to finalize project planning, secure permits, and begin construction in 2027. The initial phase aims to deploy approximately 200 MWh of storage capacity, with subsequent phases scaling up to 5 GWh. Monitoring of project milestones and potential regulatory approvals will be key indicators of progress.
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Key Questions
What is Airengy’s AirBattery technology?
AirBattery is a long-duration energy storage system that uses underground salt caverns to store compressed air, which is then used to generate electricity when released. It operates with only air and water, avoiding polluting materials and rare metals.
When is the Romanian CAES plant expected to start operating?
Commercial operation is targeted for early 2028, with construction beginning in 2027.
How does this project impact Europe’s renewable energy goals?
The project will provide large-scale, long-duration storage capacity, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and enhancing grid stability, which are critical for Europe’s decarbonization targets.
What role does salt cavern infrastructure play in this project?
The project will leverage existing salt caverns in Romania, which are suitable for underground compressed air storage and can expedite deployment due to existing infrastructure and grid connections.
Are there other similar projects using Airengy’s technology in Europe?
Airengy is active in other European markets, including collaborations in Germany and the UK, but this Romanian project is among the first large-scale commercial deployments of its AirBattery technology in the continent.
Source: PV Magazine
