Enery Launches 50-MW Solar and Storage Plant in Romania

• Enery's new Sarmasag solar farm in Romania promises sustainable energy, powering 38,270 homes and reducing 16,208 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. A bright future for green energy!

Vienna-based renewable energy firm Enery has launched the Sarmasag solar farm in northwest Romania, featuring a 51.4-MWp solar installation paired with a 22 MWh battery energy storage system. This facility is projected to produce 64.8 GWh of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power approximately 38,270 homes while preventing 16,208 tonnes of CO2 emissions. A power purchase agreement (PPA) with Asahi Europe & International ensures energy supply to Ursus Breweries.

Construction was executed by SUNOTEC and Huawei Digital Power, with financing facilitated by UniCredit Bank Romania. Enery’s portfolio encompasses nearly 700 GWh of clean energy from 490 MW of assets, alongside a development pipeline exceeding 8 GW across 11 countries.

What are the key features and impacts of Enery's Sarmasag solar farm in Romania?

Here are the key features and impacts of Enery's Sarmasag solar farm in Romania:

Key Features:

• Capacity and Scale: The solar installation has a capacity of 51.4 megawatts peak (MWp), making it a significant contributor to renewable energy in the region.
• Battery Energy Storage: The facility includes a 22 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system, enhancing grid stability and allowing for the storage of excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours.
• Annual Energy Production: It is expected to generate approximately 64.8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity each year.
• Carbon Offset: The operation of the solar farm is projected to prevent approximately 16,208 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, contributing to Romania's climate goals.
• Energy Supply Agreement: A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Asahi Europe & International, specifically for Ursus Breweries, secures long-term energy sales and underscores corporate commitments to sustainability.
• Construction Partners: The construction was carried out by industry experts SUNOTEC and Huawei Digital Power, bringing specialized knowledge and technological expertise to the project.
• Financing Structure: Funding for the project was arranged by UniCredit Bank Romania, highlighting the involvement of local financial institutions in supporting renewable energy initiatives.

Impacts:

• Local Energy Access: The electricity generated by the Sarmasag solar farm is sufficient to power approximately 38,270 homes, enhancing energy access for local communities.
• Job Creation: The construction and ongoing operation of the solar farm are likely to create jobs in the region, contributing to local economic development.
• Renewable Energy Leadership: The facility represents a step towards Romania's transition to renewable energy, aligning with European Union targets for increased renewable energy capacity.
• Grid Reliability: The combination of solar generation and battery storage helps to improve grid reliability and decrease dependence on fossil fuels, particularly during periods of high demand or low generation.
• Corporate Sustainability Drivers: The collaboration with Asahi Europe & International highlights how renewable energy procurement is increasingly becoming a focal point for corporations seeking to reduce their carbon footprints.
• Regional Development: The project can encourage further investment in renewable energy infrastructure in Romania, potentially leading to more projects and advancements in clean technologies in the region.

This comprehensive overview of the Sarmasag solar farm illustrates its significance not only in terms of energy production but also in broader environmental, economic, and social contexts.