DTEK's renewable energy division DRI has concluded the purchase of a 133MW battery storage project in Trzebinia, Poland from Columbus Energy.

The acquisition aligns with DRI's strategic goal to develop up to 1GW of renewable energy and storage capacity in Poland by 2030.

The Trzebinia battery storage project, for which DRI acquired building rights in March 2024, is on schedule to commence construction in the second half of the year.

The project is expected to be operational by January 2027.

DRI's portfolio expansion is not limited to Poland. The company is actively developing six additional solar and onshore wind projects across Italy, Romania and Croatia.

DRI's operational projects in Romania, including a 53MW solar farm and a 60MW wind farm, have been contributing to the electricity grid since the beginning of 2024.

The Romanian renewable energy sector will further benefit from the upcoming Văcărești solar park, which will begin construction in autumn 2024 and be operational by the following autumn.

The solar farm is expected to generate 205.8 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity, boosting DRI's renewable portfolio in Romania to 239MW.

Local developers have laid the groundwork by securing land, grid connections and the necessary permits.

DRI will leverage its engineering expertise, supply chain management and flexible capital structure to bring the Văcărești solar park to fruition, alongside its other renewable energy projects.

DRI CEO John Stuart stated: “The Văcărești project demonstrates DRI’s ambition to become a significant player in Romania.

“We believe that Romania has the means to become a hub for renewable energy, and the new contract for difference scheme encourages companies like DRI to continue to invest and help unlock Romania’s solar and wind energy potential.”

In June 2024, DTEK signed a memorandum of agreement with GE Vernova to develop wind power generation projects in Ukraine and the European Union.