Hungary has taken a significant step forward in its energy transition with the inauguration of its largest standalone battery energy storage system (BESS). Located near Budapest at the Dunamenti Power Station in Százhalombatta, the 40 MW / 80 MWh facility marks a crucial development in Hungary’s efforts to integrate renewable energy sources and enhance grid stability. This project, undertaken by the Swiss-based MET Group, underscores the growing importance of battery storage in supporting a sustainable energy future.
Boosting Energy Transition with Battery Storage
The newly commissioned BESS boasts a nominal operating power of 40 MW and a storage capacity of 80 MWh, representing a two-hour cycle. This substantial capacity allows the facility to store and discharge electricity, providing essential support for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind power into the grid. By storing excess energy generated during peak production periods, the BESS can release it when demand is high or when renewable sources are unavailable, ensuring a more reliable and stable energy supply.
MET Group’s investment in the Dunamenti Power Station builds upon a previous installation of a 4 MW / 8 MWh demonstrator plant in 2022, which utilized Tesla Megapack 2 batteries. The combined storage capacity of these units is now capable of powering the decorative and public lighting of Budapest for four continuous hours, illustrating the significant impact of battery storage on urban energy management.
MET Group’s Strategic Investment
MET Group’s decision to locate the BESS at the Dunamenti Power Station is strategic. Having acquired a majority stake in the former coal and gas plant in 2014, MET Group has been actively transforming the site into a hub for renewable energy and advanced energy storage solutions. This transition aligns with the company’s broader European strategy to invest in BESS projects, addressing the increasing need for balancing technologies that support the energy transition.
The company’s commitment to battery storage is further demonstrated by its acquisition of French battery storage operator and developer Comax in 2024. Additionally, MET Group is actively developing co-located storage facilities alongside solar parks in various European nations, signaling a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to energy storage.
Key Players and Technology
The technology for the new large-scale BESS was supplied by Huawei Technologies, with Forest-Vill Ltd., a Hungarian firm, serving as the main contractor for the project. This collaboration highlights the importance of both international expertise and local knowledge in bringing such ambitious projects to fruition.
Péter Horváth, CEO of the Dunamenti Power Station, emphasized the critical role of battery energy storage systems in the energy transition, noting that they facilitate greater integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. Péter Kaderják, President of the Hungarian Battery Association, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to exploit Hungary’s renewable energy sources using well-established and cost-effective technologies.
Significance for Hungary’s Energy Future
The inauguration of Hungary’s largest BESS represents a pivotal moment for the nation’s energy sector. As Hungary strives to meet its renewable energy targets and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, advanced energy storage solutions like the Dunamenti BESS will play an increasingly vital role. By enhancing grid stability, optimizing the use of renewable energy, and providing backup power during peak demand, battery storage is poised to become an indispensable component of Hungary’s energy infrastructure.
This project is also expected to stimulate further investment and innovation in the energy storage sector, creating new opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement. As Hungary continues to embrace renewable energy and sustainable practices, the Dunamenti BESS stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the country’s commitment to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
