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The Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF Energy) is supporting a significant step forward in strengthening Europe’s energy security and flexibility. With a grant of more than EUR 2.1 million, the project is carrying out studies to prepare the way for the modernisation and hybridisation of the Čierny Váh pumped hydro energy storage plant in Slovakia.
Owned and operated by Slovenské elektrárne a.s., the initiative contributes to the implementation of the Project of Common Interest (PCI) “Modernisation of Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage in Čierny Váh”. Over the next 24 months, it will prepare the ground for upgrading two of the plant’s six units to variable-speed turbines for improved operational efficiency, while also defining a hybridisation system to optimise the integration of a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) of up to 80 MW and 160 MWh.
Driving innovation in hybrid storage
This innovative project is among the firsts in Europe to combine traditional pumped hydro storage with battery storage on such a scale. The studies will define the technical specifications for hybridisation, including market simulations, financial gap assessments, and detailed designs for hydro, electro-mechanical, civil engineering and digital control systems.
By delivering a comprehensive solution that integrates both technologies, the project will enhance the flexibility and efficiency of the Slovak grid and provide valuable lessons for the wider European energy system. For instance, thanks to the planned development of EU-wide trading platforms for balancing energy, a significant amount of balancing energy produced by the project would be exchanged across borders and help to improve the efficiency of the neighbouring countries too (i.e. Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic).
Supporting EU competitiveness and climate goals
These types of projects are crucial not only for decarbonising EU economies but also for strengthening competitiveness and ensuring affordable, reliable energy for citizens and businesses. By combining pumped hydro and battery storage, the project will help optimise grid flexibility, reduce system costs and make better use of renewable energy sources.
Once completed, the project will therefore enable cleaner, smarter and more sustainable grid regulation services, while improving market efficiency and contributing to Europe’s long-term climate and competitiveness objectives. With CEF Energy support, the PCI will be ready to advance to the Final Investment Decision (FID) phase.
The Čierny Váh modernisation underscores the EU’s commitment to developing cross-border, future-proof energy infrastructure that enhances competitiveness, ensures affordable energy and accelerates the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.
More information
More information on the project is available on the promoter’s website.
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