Green Forum • 12 June, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Cristian Barbu, a pioneer in Romania's renewable energy sector, is returning with a new focus: energy storage. After contributing to the development of nine operational wind farms, Barbu, through Future Power, is now investing in 600 MW of storage capacity, aiming for 1,000 MW in the coming years.
“Our second wave of investments targets energy storage – a necessary step for grid stability,” Barbu says. Notably, Future Power's projects won't require grid reinforcement, giving them a competitive edge in implementation speed and cost. First units are expected online between 2026 and 2028.
Romania currently has less than 10 MW of storage, while the need is projected to reach several thousand MW. With the right regulatory support and streamlined permitting, Romania could become a regional hub for clean energy production and storage, attracting over 1 billion euros in investment and enhancing energy security.
Barbu stresses that balancing solutions are vital to avoid grid imbalances and blackouts as renewables expand. Battery systems absorb surplus energy and release it during peak demand, stabilizing the grid.
Inspired by models from Germany, Spain, and the UK, Future Power plans hybrid projects combining renewables and storage. With high wind and solar potential, Barbu believes Romania can become a clean energy leader in the region, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and increasing energy independence.
“We're at the beginning of a major shift. Early movers will shape the future of this market,” he concludes.