RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, is set to announce a second auction offering state investment support for standalone batteries as, according to energypress sources, the energy ministry has signed a required ministerial decision halving the inaugural auction’s level of 200,000 euros per MW to 100,000 euros per MW.

The energy ministry decided to significantly reduce the state investment support offered through the second auction based on the results of the first auction.

The second auction will be announced as soon as the ministerial decision is published in the government gazette, which could occur today or, at the latest, by the middle of next week.

As investors will be able to submit applications for the state investment support six weeks after the auction has been announced, its deadline is expected to expire just after Christmas. The list of projects qualifying for the state investment support should be finalized towards the end of January.

The halved investment support to be offered at the second auction is intended to help broaden the portfolio of  projects receiving support. According to an initial plan, standalone battery investment support is planned to be offered for a total capacity of 1,000 MW, over three auctions.

Standalone batteries totaling 400 MW secured investment support at the first auction, while an initial plan for support to a further 300 MW through the second auction will remain unchanged.

Any extra capacity that would exceed the initial plan for a total of 1,000 MW will be made available at the third auction, expected to take place within the first few months of 2024. Projects planned for development at ex-lignite areas will participate in the third auction.