Transmission system operators and distribution companies in Hungary can apply for non-refundable subsidies totalling 58 billion Hungarian forints (155 million euros) to build energy storage facilities in a bid to strengthen the country’s security of supply and promote the further expansion of renewable energy sources.
The new facilities will be fully integrated into the national grid, and are expected to double the current integrated storage capacity in two years to a total of 146 megawatt-hours (MWh). The ministry said winning bidders will be selected before the end of this year.
“The new projects will promote a low-carbon-emissions economy, the transposition to environmental and digital service provision while contributing to Hungary’s energy sovereignty,” reads the ministry’s statement. “Battery-based storage facilities will also partially compensate for fluctuations in the output of solar and wind plants, the program can therefore make a meaningful contribution to the increased utilisation of clean energy sources,” they added.
In a separate tender, the Ministry of Energy encourages other companies as well to establish energy storage facilities. The two tenders can contribute a total of 120 billion Hungarian forints (322 million euros) to increase the flexibility of the electricity system.