MORE Energy, the renewable energy arm of Greece’s Motor Oil Group, says government delays in finalizing the regulatory framework for energy storage are preventing newly completed battery projects from entering operation.
According to information reported by OT.gr, MORE Energy has sent a formal letter to the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, as well as to key energy regulators and institutions, warning of the risks stemming from delays in the operational integration of energy storage facilities into the power system and electricity markets. The company says that because the regulatory and technical framework remains unfinished, the projects cannot operate, putting major investments at risk and depriving consumers of lower electricity prices and a more stable power supply.
Battery projects built but standing idle
MORE Energy announced earlier in January that it had completed the construction of three large-scale, standalone energy storage systems in Greece in a record five months. The three facilities, located in Phocis, Florina, and Boeotia, have a total combined power capacity of 72 MW and an energy capacity of 144 MWh.
Despite being technically ready, the facilities are not yet operational. The company argues this is because Greece has not finalized the regulatory and technical rules required for battery storage systems to be fully integrated into the national electricity system and wholesale power markets.
Why energy storage matters
Energy storage plays a critical role in modern electricity systems, particularly those with a high share of renewable energy. Batteries store electricity produced by solar and wind power when weather conditions are favorable and release it when production drops, helping stabilize the grid and reduce reliance on more expensive power sources.
By smoothing supply and demand, storage systems can help lower electricity prices and reduce the risk of blackouts. Greek authorities have acknowledged this importance, allocating funding through the EU-backed Recovery and Resilience Fund to support battery storage projects following competitive tenders. More highlights that “the three projects were selected during the second competitive tendering process of the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY) for energy storage systems, held in 2024, and are being implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” with funding from the European Union”.
Warning of financial risks
In its letter, signed by General Manager Victor Papaconstantinou, MORE Energy reportedly stresses that while the company completed its investments on time and in line with existing legislation, the regulatory framework remains unfinished, with no clear timeline for completion.
The company warns of “negative and irreversible financial consequences” for projects that remain switched off. Prolonged delays, it argues, undermine returns and threaten the financial viability of investments that were designed to strengthen Greece’s energy transition.
MORE Energy also points out that keeping storage capacity idle means households and businesses miss out on cheaper electricity and enhanced energy security.
Proposal for temporary operation
To address the impasse, MORE Energy has proposed a temporary operating regime for battery projects that are already completed. According to OT, the company suggests allowing immediate grid connection for storage facilities larger than 10 megawatts and placing them under a trial operation status.
Under this proposal, batteries would participate in the electricity market on a test basis, without assuming full balancing obligations, and would be compensated based on their actual market participation rather than through operating support contracts.
The company is also calling for a legislative adjustment to decouple grid connection from the requirement to sign an operating support contract, enabling faster electrification of completed projects. In addition, it proposes registering battery systems both as producers and consumers in the national transmission system and allowing their direct participation in electricity markets without intermediary aggregators.
MORE Energy says the temporary regime should remain in place until RAAEY and system operators finalize the permanent regulatory framework.
Source: ot.gr
