Romanian hydropower operator Hidroelectrica is preparing a major expansion of floating solar generation on the Lower Olt River, alongside the development of large-scale battery storage systems designed to strengthen grid flexibility and renewable integration.
According to tender documentation published on Romania’s electronic procurement platform, the company plans to install approximately 90 MW of new floating solar capacity across reservoirs associated with five hydropower plants: Ipotesti, Draganesti, Frunzaru, Rusanesti, and Izbiceni.
Most of the planned sites will feature installations of around 20 MW each, while the Ipotesti location will receive an additional 10 MW, supplementing an existing 10 MW floating solar project already under construction at the same site.
In parallel with the solar expansion, Hidroelectrica is also planning the deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS) at each location. Each site is expected to include a 40 MW storage unit with four hours of duration, resulting in a combined storage capacity of 200 MW / 800 MWh across the project portfolio.
The company’s concept involves installing floating solar panels directly on reservoir surfaces, while the battery systems would be constructed on adjacent land areas downstream of the hydropower dams. The tender also allows for hybrid configurations combining both floating and land-based renewable assets near existing hydroelectric infrastructure.
Once completed, the projects will significantly expand Hidroelectrica’s hybrid renewable energy portfolio, integrating hydropower, floating solar generation, and large-scale storage within a unified energy system designed to improve operational flexibility and support Romania’s energy transition.
