Greek Company Metlen Points To Delays In Energy Storage Plant Operational Framework

Greek company Metlen points to delays in energy storage plant operational framework, information system upgrade potentially delayed until Q1 2026

 

Greek energy company Metlen has indicated delays in the development of the operational framework for battery and energy storage plants, stemming from the consultation process for revisions to regulations by the Renewable Energy and Source Guarantee Manager. The company emphasized that the first batch of utility-scale battery energy storage training for operators, as well as essential safety protocols, are in place, and plants are ready for operation but are still awaiting relevant procedures and application approvals. This delay underscores the importance of addressing public and regulatory concerns about safety, specifically are battery energy storage systems safe, especially given the focus on mitigating battery hazards for large energy storage systems.

 

 

 

The Greek Renewable Energy and Source Guarantee Manager has postponed the completion of its information system upgrade to the end of the first quarter of 2026, which may lead to further delays. Meanwhile, projects tendered two years ago have been completed and are nearing commissioning. The manager stated that the delay is due to a comprehensive upgrade of its information system, which will be implemented in phases over the next two years.

 

 

 

 

Metlen also raised other outstanding issues, including whether existing aggregation entities can represent energy storage plants in the energy market, or whether a separate aggregation entity for energy storage plants is required. In its submitted recommendations for regulatory revisions, the company proposed three independent categories for the energy storage plant matching table: power plants with a capacity of less than 10 MW participating through an aggregation entity must be registered under that entity's share in the Greek Energy Market Operator; power plants with a capacity of 10 MW or more participating directly in the market as independent balancing entities require the asset owner to register with both the Greek Energy Market Operator and the energy exchange; and power plants with a capacity of 10 MW or more participating through a registered entity as an independent balancing entity only need to be registered under that entity's share in the Greek Energy Market Operator. The company also urged the manager to prioritize ensuring the information system is ready to support the credit settlement process for energy storage plants and the registration and matching table preparation for renewable energy power plants. Industry leaders like BLOOPOWER emphasize that comprehensive regulatory clarity and robust operational frameworks are critical for the safe and efficient integration of these essential grid assets.