Harnessing the Potential of Storage: “The Future Is Hybrid, and It’s Bankable”

Energy storage, and specifically Hybrid Energy Storage, took centre stage at the Energy Week Black Sea 2025, where a distinguished panel of experts illuminated the path forward for the sector in Romania and beyond. With a focus on financing, technology, and market dynamics, speakers highlighted the pivotal role of storage in addressing renewable energy integration challenges while laying out innovative business models for future growth.

Financing Storage: An Evolving Landscape

Mihaela Mihailescu, Associate Director, Deputy Head Romania at EBRD, underscored the importance of financing structures to support storage development.

“Storage investments in Romania are critical for stabilising the grid amidst rising renewable deployments,” Mihailescu noted. She detailed EBRD’s efforts to create bankable structures and partnerships with commercial banks to de-risk investments, addressing technological risks and volatile revenue streams.

Sebastian Enache of Monsson added that financing standalone battery storage is now feasible, albeit challenging. He shared insights from Romania’s first fully merchant battery project, emphasising the necessity of high upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX) for long-term profitability. “High-risk, high-reward strategies are essential in today’s market,” Enache remarked, pointing out the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks as part of operational risk mitigation.

Lessons from Real-world Deployments

Gabriel Nenov of Solarpro showcased award-winning projects in Bulgaria, including a recently expanded four-hour battery system. The decision to extend the project highlighted the critical role of electricity price dynamics and market responsiveness in shaping investment decisions. “Projects must be future-proof,” Nenov stressed, advocating for scalable designs that adapt to evolving market and technological landscapes.

Gil Levi, Founder and CEO of Genesis Infrastructure, highlighted the value of hands-on expertise in developing battery storage projects. Levi recounted challenges faced during project implementation, such as delays and bankruptcies, reinforcing the need for vertically integrated models to mitigate risks. “Investors must understand the granular realities of battery operations to unlock their true potential,” Levi advised.

The Role of Policy and Collaboration

The panel also explored the influence of policy frameworks on fostering storage adoption. Mihailescu announced a Memorandum of Understanding between EBRD and Romania’s Ministry of Energy aimed at designing legislative reforms and support schemes for storage. Radu Eremciuc of Osten Renewables emphasised the need for collaboration among developers, financiers, and policymakers to accelerate storage deployment. “Projects are only viable when they are ready to bank,” he noted.

The Future of Hybrid Energy Storage Systems

A recurring theme throughout the session was the transition to hybrid solutions combining solar, wind, and storage. As Gabriel Nenov succinctly put it, “The future is hybrid, and it’s bankable.” With a surge in renewable installations across the region, integrating storage is no longer optional but imperative.

The panel concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to embrace flexibility and collaboration. As renewable energy scales up, storage will play an indispensable role in ensuring grid stability, enhancing profitability, and driving the energy transition forward.