Officials confirm that work has begun on a project described as Europe’s most powerful electricity storage battery. Darius Majets, president of the Polish Energy Group (PGE), announced the start of construction and highlighted the scale of the ambition. The facility is envisioned to store enough energy to cover the daily needs of about 2.5 million households, a figure that underscored Poland’s push to balance the growing share of renewables in its power mix. The plan aims to deliver a substantial buffer for the grid, smoothing out fluctuations when weather-driven generation spikes occur. The storage complex is planned for a site at Zhanovtsa near Gdansk, a location tied to an unfinished nuclear project dating back to the 1980s that was halted years ago. The idea of repurposing such a site reflects a broader trend of reusing legacy infrastructure to support modern energy needs, leveraging existing connections and land already integrated into the electricity network.
Renewable energy has brought clean power and reduced emissions, but it can create periods of surplus. On sunny days when solar output peaks and windy days when wind farms push production higher than demand, power prices can dip into negative territory amid market dynamics. The project is designed to capture surplus energy during those windows and release it later when demand rises, stabilizing prices and providing capacity for peak usage. Batteries of this scale are part of a wider strategy to offer quick response and long-duration storage, complementing grid infrastructure such as transformers, substations, and cross-border interconnections. The approach helps limit curtailment of renewables and enhances grid reliability during market volatility.
Zhanovtsa near Gdansk houses a legacy left by the failed nuclear program of the late 20th century. The facility’s new role as a large energy storage hub aligns with Poland’s aim to harness modern technology and better integrate renewables with the national grid. By site selection near existing connections, engineers expect to shorten construction timelines and minimize environmental impact compared with building an entirely new installation. The project will rely on an advanced battery system designed for rapid charging and discharging, paired with sophisticated control systems that synchronize with the grid operator to optimize energy flow across the region. In addition to boosting energy security, the storage facility could support regional interconnections and cross-border trading by providing a reliable resource during periods of low wind or solar generation.
Late February brought statements and plans from European Union authorities to advance the energy integration of Ukraine and Moldova within a unified market by the end of 2026. Parallel efforts are set to accelerate investment in Ukraine’s renewable energy sector, drawing on the region’s growing abundance of wind, solar, and other clean technologies. If realized, the timetable would deepen cross-border trading, align pricing signals, and help stabilize prices across adjacent markets. These ambitions fit a wider push to modernize European energy infrastructure, improve resilience against shocks, and support the transition to low-carbon electricity while keeping electricity affordable for consumers. The changes also underscore the importance of regional energy development projects for Poland and its neighbors as part of a broader regional strategy.
On a separate front, Poland has introduced an electronic border barrier on its border with Belarus. The measure reflects a broader security stance that accompanies changes in energy policy and market development. The barrier is intended to enhance monitoring and control of cross-border flows, a factor that intersects with energy security and the stability of supply in neighboring regions. Taken together, the announcements reflect a moment of significant investment in storage, cross-border energy cooperation, and protective border measures as Europe moves toward a cleaner, more flexible and reliable energy system.