Aukera Energy has also recently closed a €60 million financing. This funding will accelerate its first standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Romania. As Aukera’s largest-ever transaction to date, this is a major milestone for the company and for the Romanian storage market. The demonstration project will construct a 250 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Gura Ialomitei, Ialomita County. It is due to be one of the largest such facilities in Central and Eastern Europe.
Kommunalkredit was the lead manager in structuring the financing. They acted as the only appointed required lead arranger on the debt facility. Aukera’s managing director for project finance, Aiden Yates, said he was excited to engage in the collaboration.
“We are very pleased to partner with Kommunalkredit on this landmark transaction for Aukera and for the Romanian storage market.” – Aiden Yates, Aukera managing director for project finance
Project Scope and Impact
The 250 MW BESS project is being delivered in two phases, with the first phase already in progress. The whole facility should be fully operational by the middle of 2026. Aukera is leading an active pipeline of more than 16 GW in a variety of markets—including the UK, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Romania. Though an interesting development on the surface, this is part of the company’s deeper game plan. More specifically, the Romanian BESS pipeline includes 2 GW.
Aukera’s initiative aims to bolster grid stability in Romania, aligning with Kommunalkredit’s vision to accelerate the energy transition across Europe. The successful completion of this project is a testament to Aukera’s ability to successfully deliver on big, complex projects in diverse markets.
Strengthening Energy Resilience
The construction of the battery storage system is seen as a significant milestone towards increasing Romania’s energy security and resilience. Arnaud de Laportaliere, senior transactor at Kommunalkredit, made clear how important this project was.
“This project marks a decisive step toward strengthening Romania’s energy resilience. By supporting Aukera’s first battery storage initiative, we are helping to substantially improve grid stability, in line with Kommunalkredit’s vision to accelerate the energy transition across Europe.” – Arnaud de Laportaliere, Kommunalkredit senior transactor
Founded in 2021 by renewable energy executives Pascal Emsens and Catalin Breaban, Aukera focuses on developing, constructing, and operating solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Aukera is launching its first project in Romania with this round of financing. This recent move deepens the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in the area.
Future Prospects
As Aukera moves forward with its first BESS project in Romania, it’s still just scratching the surface on opportunities within its robust pipeline. The company’s strategic emphasis on energy storage is timely, with demand for renewable energy sources surging around the world. Aukera is leading the way on transitioning to cleaner, safer energy solutions. They are already making a tremendous impact with projects such as the one in Gura Ialomitei.