Romania’s energy crisis exposes faltering gas strategy as battery storage surges
September 30, 2026
Romania’s energy crisis has laid bare the risks of relying on delayed gas projects to replace coal power. Meanwhile, battery storage has been developing much faster and is already providing much-needed flexibility. Even a state-owned coal company with designs on a gas power plant is now pursuing battery storage instead.
Romania prepares to launch 1.1 GW gas-fired turbines next month
September 29, 2026
Romania’s Mintia gas-fired power plant is set to launch with an initial capacity of about 1.1 GW next month, increasing to 1.7 GW early next year, the country’s energy ministry told Montel on Monday. CEE Bankwatch Network last week criticised Romania’s focus on new gas capacity, arguing that battery storage was developing faster and could provide flexibility to the power system.
Romania’s gas strategy falters as battery capacity surges – NGO
September 29, 2026
Romania’s battery storage capacity has expanded rapidly and is already providing grid flexibility, while the ongoing energy crisis has exposed the country’s failings in focusing on delayed gas projects, NGO CEE Bankwatch Network said on Friday.
Serbia’s district heating utilities approaching breaking point due to gas import dependence
July 14, 2026
The current situation among district heating companies in Serbia provides a timely warning for Western Balkan governments still betting on new fossil gas infrastructure. In recent years, these governments have shown renewed interest in building new gas infrastructure. Many projects have been on the table for years, but new schemes are also being actively promoted by the United States.
Week in Review: Action or Inaction?
July 19, 2024
Governments and citizens across South-east Europe find themselves stuck between action and inaction in choosing whether and how to deal …
Western Balkans can skip gas and move straight to renewables, says Bankwatch
July 18, 2024
NGO CEE Bankwatch says anticipated solar and wind projects in the region are expected to generate four times more electricity over their …
N. Macedonia’s gas project threatens renewable goals – Bankwatch
April 16, 2024
Gas pipeline. Source: Gasunie. April 16 (SeeNews) – North Macedonia’s project for a natural gas interconnection pipeline with Greece will …
EBRD Urged to Reconsider Funding Greece-North Macedonia Gas Pipeline
March 25, 2024
Environmental watchdogs say bank should scrap planned loan for a new pipeline bringing additional gas to North Macedonia through Greece, …
NGO warns Bulgaria over plans to swap coal for fossil gas
March 15, 2024
CEE Bankwatch has urged Sofia to consider replacing coal power with renewables. / bne IntelliNews
North Macedonia must ditch its unrealistic gas plans and cut to a clean energy future
February 15, 2024
This briefing explains why the international community must not be complicit in creating stranded assets or increased gas lock-in in North Macedonia.
