The contaminated crude oil, transported via the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey before reaching Romania, was discovered during routine quality control checks. As a result, scheduled deliveries to Romania’s Port of Constanța were cancelled, forcing the Romanian Ministry of Energy to activate strategic reserves and authorise the release of tens of thousands of tons of oil and diesel from national emergency stocks to ensure fuel supply continuity.

Romanian intelligence and security sources are investigating the incident as a likely act of sabotage, with strong suspicions directed toward Russia. It is believed that the contamination could have been executed by injecting organic chloride into the extensive 1,700-kilometre pipeline, a relatively simple yet effective method to cause widespread disruption. This act aligns with ongoing concerns about Russian hybrid operations aiming to destabilise European energy security amid the conflict in Ukraine.

The impact of the contamination extends beyond Romania’s borders. Several European countries, including Italy and the Czech Republic, also received shipments of the tainted Azerbaijani crude, leading to operational disruptions at refineries such as Italy’s Eni and the Czech Republic’s Orlen Unipetrol. These companies took precautionary measures to prevent damage to their facilities by halting or adjusting processing.

OMV Petrom confirmed that their refinery remains operational and fuel distribution within Romania remains stable due to quick intervention measures and alternative crude oil procurement from African sources and emergency reserves. The Romanian Ministry of Energy emphasised that the temporary shortage represents less than 5.5% of national emergency stocks, which total over two million tons, and assured that reserves will be replenished within 60 days.

The suspected sabotage occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the region and Russia’s previous hostile actions targeting energy infrastructure linked to Ukraine and its allies. Romania, a NATO and EU member sharing a border with Ukraine, has been a key supporter of Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, further contextualising the incident within broader geopolitical struggles.

This episode highlights the vulnerabilities of critical energy supply chains in Eastern Europe and underscores the increasing use of hybrid warfare tactics aimed at energy disruption. Romanian authorities and their European partners continue to investigate and monitor the situation closely to prevent further destabilisation.

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T2Y Capital, a growth equity fund focused on energy and sustainability, has entered a strategic partnership with Romanian energy storage innovator Prime Batteries Energy Holding S.r.l., acquiring a significant stake to become its second-largest shareholder. The investment, subject to regulatory approvals, is set to propel Prime Batteries’ international expansion and scale its production footprint across Europe.

Headquartered in Bucharest, Prime Batteries is among the EU’s leading manufacturers of lithium-ion-based energy storage systems. The company delivers fully integrated solutions—ranging from battery cells to in-house battery management software—used to stabilise renewable energy flows, power speciality vehicles, and support industrial electrification. Its vertically integrated structure and independent supply chain give Prime Batteries a competitive cost and innovation edge.

As part of the deal, T2Y Capital will take a seat on the Board of Directors and play an active role in supporting Prime Batteries’ next growth chapter. The partnership aims to expand production capacity from today’s 2 GWh to over 8 GWh by 2030, while aggressively pushing international sales and the company’s innovative Battery-as-a-Service model.

Prime Batteries is a European hidden champion. It combines deep technological know-how with a profitable business model and international potential. We look forward to helping them scale up operations and drive the European energy transition. Europe must reduce energy dependence and advance industrial decarbonization. That means backing local innovators with global potential. Prime Batteries is exactly the kind of company that can lead Europe’s energy future.

Benedikt Friedrich, Managing Director Investments at T2Y Capital

Founded in 2016, Prime Batteries has already demonstrated strong growth and strategic independence in all key technological areas—cells, software, raw materials, and system integration. It currently operates a 300 MWh production facility and is ramping up a new 2 GWh plant to meet rising demand for energy storage in mobility, industry, and grid stabilisation.

T2Y Capital brings more than capital—it’s the right strategic partner to help us accelerate, scale up, and take our solutions to new markets.

Adrian Polec, Founder and Chairman of Prime Batteries.

This transaction marks a milestone in T2Y Capital’s investment strategy. The fund, co-founded by renowned bankers Patrick Bettscheider and Andreas Haindl, focuses on supporting high-growth European companies driving the energy transition. Before this deal, T2Y Capital invested in Wetrax Group, a German leader in aerosol-based fire suppression systems, especially relevant in battery storage.

Their backing validates our technology leadership and long-term vision, allowing us to move faster on innovation, production, and international expansion.

Vicentiu Ciobanu, CEO of Prime Batteries

T2Y Capital was advised on the transaction by AFRY (commercial), PwC (financial and tax), and Clifford Chance Badea (legal).

About T2Y Capital
T2Y Capital is a Munich-based growth equity fund investing in the energy sector and adjacent industries. Founded in 2022 by investment veterans Patrick Bettscheider and Andreas Haindl, T2Y backs scalable companies at the heart of Europe’s energy transition. The fund specialises in high-impact investments in the €20M–€300M+ range, either directly or through co-investments. T2Y Capital is an SFDR Article 9 fund, aligning with the highest EU sustainability standards.

About Prime Batteries Energy Holding
Founded in 2016 in Bucharest, Romania, Prime Batteries is a leading European developer of advanced battery systems for mobility, renewable energy, and industrial storage. The company operates a fully integrated production model, spanning from battery cell manufacturing to software development, and offers turnkey solutions across various sectors. Prime Batteries currently employs 160 people and is actively expanding to meet the increasing demand in Europe. Its goal is to expand capacity to 8 GWh by 2030, reinforcing its position as a top independent energy storage provider in the EU.

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Prime Batteries at the Forefront of Energy Storage Innovation

Prime Batteries, known for its expertise in lithium-ion battery technology, has engineered a BESS platform that supports high voltages up to 1500 V and meets the most stringent European safety standards, including ISO 26262 functional safety requirements.

The platform’s modular design allows for flexible voltage and current configurations, making it ideal for various applications, from renewable energy integration and grid stabilisation to microgrids and residential energy storage.

The platform incorporates multiple layers of protection and continuous independent cell monitoring, ensuring maximum safety and reliability. Designed for long service life with low maintenance needs, Prime Batteries’ solution addresses the critical demands of modern energy systems while promoting sustainability and cost efficiency.

Strategic Collaboration with Industry Leaders

Prime Batteries’ CEO, Vicentiu Ciobanu, expressed pride in the partnership

Working alongside Arrow Electronics and NXP Semiconductors has enabled us to deliver a BESS platform that combines top-tier safety, flexibility, and scalability. This collaboration accelerates the adoption of renewable energy solutions and supports Romania’s and Europe’s transition to a greener future.

Vicentiu Ciobanu, CEO Prime Batteries

Arrow Electronics and NXP Semiconductors contributed their engineering expertise and advanced technology, including pre-certified safety libraries and modular design frameworks, to help Prime Batteries reduce development time and complexity.

This breakthrough positions Prime Batteries as a key player in the global energy storage market and highlights Romania’s growing role in high-tech innovation. The new BESS platform is expected to support many energy projects, enhancing grid resilience and enabling more efficient use of renewable energy sources.

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The Incident: What Happened?

At approximately 12:30 PM local time, electricity demand on the Iberian Peninsula plummeted dramatically, with supply dropping from over 26,000 megawatts to just under 16,000 megawatts within minutes- a phenomenon described as the dreaded “energy zero.”

Major cities, including Madrid and Lisbon, as well as smaller towns and rural areas, were left without power. Subway networks, railway services, traffic lights, and ATMs ceased functioning, while airports such as Madrid Barajas and Lisbon faced severe operational challenges, relying on backup generators to maintain essential services.

Hospitals, equipped with autonomous supply systems, were able to continue critical operations, but telecommunications and mobile networks experienced significant outages, further complicating emergency response efforts.

Investigations and Possible Causes

Authorities in both Spain and Portugal have launched urgent investigations into the cause of the blackout. Early reports suggest the origin may lie outside the Iberian Peninsula, possibly linked to faults in high-voltage lines in southern France or broader issues within the European electric grid. While cyberattacks and sabotage have not been ruled out, there is currently no definitive evidence pointing to either scenario. Spain’s National Institute of Cybersecurity and the National Cryptologic Centre have been mobilised, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is personally overseeing the crisis response.

Societal and Economic Impact

The blackout has led to unprecedented disruption:

• All trains in Spain were cancelled, and metro services in major cities were halted.
• Traffic signals failed, causing gridlock and prompting authorities to urge citizens to avoid travel unless necessary.
• Card payment systems and court operations were suspended, resulting in massive losses for businesses due to the interruption of electronic services.
• Significant events, such as the Madrid Open tennis tournament, were postponed.

Energy Storage: A Temporary Lifeline

The crisis has reignited debate over the resilience of Europe’s energy infrastructure and the urgent need for robust backup solutions. Energy storage systems, particularly large-scale battery installations, are increasingly recognised as vital for mitigating the impact of such blackouts.

How Energy Storage Helps:

• Instantaneous Backup: High-quality energy storage systems can detect power loss and switch to battery backup within milliseconds, ensuring critical operations remain uninterrupted.
• Grid Stabilisation: Battery energy storage systems provide rapid frequency regulation, helping to balance supply and demand and prevent cascading failures across the grid.
• Black Start Capability: Large battery storage can “black start” the grid, restoring power without an external supply, enabling a phased recovery of the network after a total outage.
• Renewable Integration: Storage solutions can be charged from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, offering a sustainable and diversified backup that can be deployed during grid failures.

Few other investments promise to increase a facility’s resilience more than a secure, readily accessible source of energy that an appropriately sized energy storage system can supply.

Looking Ahead

As restoration efforts continue, the blackout serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in Europe’s interconnected energy networks.

While the immediate priority is to restore normalcy, policymakers and industry leaders are expected to accelerate investments in advanced energy storage and grid modernisation to safeguard against future crises.

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Greenpeace’s Legal Procedures against Neptun Deep

Greenpeace recently intensified its opposition to the Neptun Deep project by filing lawsuits against the Romanian government. The organization argues that the project poses environmental risks, particularly to marine life in the Black Sea.

However, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja has firmly defended the government’s position, emphasizing that Romania must utilize all available resources to ensure energy security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Burduja highlights that the Neptun Deep project is vital for Romania’s energy independence and aligns with the country’s broader goals of becoming a central energy hub in Southeast Europe. He asserts that transitioning from coal to gas is crucial for meeting national and European decarbonization targets while ensuring a reliable energy supply.

Minister Burduja’s Quest for Energy Independence

Minister Burduja envisions a comprehensive energy strategy based on the “3D model” of decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization. This approach aims to modernize Romania’s energy infrastructure while promoting investments in renewable sources alongside natural gas projects. Burduja has stated, “Investments, investments, investments” are his top priority, indicating a commitment to rapidly advancing Romania’s energy capabilities.

The government plans significant investments in renewable energy production, aiming for 950 MW of new capacity by 2026. This complements ongoing efforts to expand nuclear power and enhance gas infrastructure, ensuring Romania can meet its domestic needs while exporting surplus energy to regional partners.

Burduja acknowledges the importance of balancing environmental concerns with the need for energy security. He argues that while renewable energy is essential for long-term sustainability, gas is a transition fuel that can help stabilize the grid as Romania increases its renewable capacity.

Moreover, he points out that Romania’s strategic location allows it to play a crucial role in diversifying energy supply routes in Southeast Europe. By developing its offshore gas resources and enhancing interconnections with neighbouring countries, Romania can reduce regional dependence on less stable energy sources.

As Greenpeace continues its legal challenges against the Neptun Deep project, Minister Burduja remains resolute in advancing Romania’s energy independence. The government’s strategy emphasizes leveraging local resources while investing in sustainable technologies. This dual approach aims to secure Romania’s energy future and position it as a regional energy stability leader amidst growing global challenges.

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Like the principle of collecting and using rainwater, the POWER CUBE 150 can capture and store energy from the grid, with low and constant consumption, to protect the electrical systems in the area.

When an electric car comes to charge, it can benefit from high charging power – up to 150 kW – without affecting the electrical grid.

Thus, the POWER CUBE 150 is ideal for isolated hotels or guesthouses, gas stations, which often do not have enough installed power to ensure the normal operation of the gas station, and charging stations for electric cars.

PRIME Batteries Technology manufactures batteries for various applications, from storage for the national energy system to traction batteries for commercial vehicles, and is the largest manufacturer of Li-Ion batteries in Southeast Europe. With the launch of POWER CUBE 150, we also become pioneers in this direction of integrated solutions dedicated to energy storage from multiple sources. By collaborating with Eldrive Romania, we bring, store and deliver energy where it is needed, facilitating the transition to electric mobility, but also to the notion of a “dispatchable” consumer. The product is the first of a series that we will develop together with ALLSPARK Energy in the field of small and large-capacity storage of broad applicability, which is essential to ensure the transition to a green and, above all, circular economy.

Vicentiu Ciobanu, Co-founder and CEO of PRIME Batteries Technology.

The Power Cube 150 can store 252 kWh (net), has a charge/discharge power of 150 kW, and ensures an efficiency of 98%. Over 80% of the module’s components are manufactured in the European Union, and it can be installed without a building permit.

Electric car charging can be started from the Eldrive Romania application, with a company RFID card, or through the Autocharge function.

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China has played a pivotal role in this growth, installing 152% more solar capacity in 2023 than the previous year. This surge has positioned China as the leader in the global solar market, accounting for 36% of global solar generation. The report highlights that in June 2024, solar power is expected to contribute 8.2% of global electricity, up from 6.7% in June 2023.

The European Union also showcased significant progress, with solar power expected to provide 20% of its electricity in June, doubling the global average. Spain leads within the EU, projecting a 30% share of solar in its electricity mix.

The United States and India are set to generate around 7% of their electricity from solar this June, reflecting their growing investment in renewable energy.

One of the most significant challenges of renewable energy lies in its generation and storage. Unlike fossil fuels, which can be burned on demand, renewable sources like solar and wind produce energy intermittently. Without efficient storage solutions, much of this valuable energy is lost, highlighting the critical need for advancements in energy storage technologies to ensure a stable and reliable supply.

From this perspective, Romania is one of the leading countries in the European Union: PRIME Batteries is at the forefront of renewable energy storage solutions, pioneering innovative technologies that ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable energy storage, transforming intermittent renewable sources into a consistent and dependable power supply. Recently, PRIME and Monsson inaugurated the largest energy storage capacity in Romania.

The transition to renewable energy must be achieved sustainably. Intermittentness was a problem that needed to be addressed and resolved, as far as possible, at the source generating it. Here, Prime Batteries has assumed the role of solution provider since 2016. We are identified as a battery manufacturer in the market, but our main business is the supply of lithium-ion battery storage solutions.

Vicentiu Ciobanu, PRIME’s CEO

The report emphasizes the transformative impact of solar energy, noting that solar power has scaled faster than any other electricity source, reaching 1,000 TWh of generation in just eight years. The affordability and scalability of solar technology have been critical in this rapid adoption, making it a cornerstone of the global transition to clean energy.

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The law regulates the general framework for implementing electricity production projects from offshore wind resources in Romania.

The implementation of electricity generation projects from offshore wind resources shall be carried out in compliance with the principle of non-discrimination, in conditions of fair competition, and in compliance with the principle of integrated pollution prevention and control through the use of the best available techniques for activities with significant environmental impact.

Romanian Law on Offshore Wind Energy

According to it, in offshore wind energy production, the Ministry of Energy has the following powers: It carries out expert studies based on which it establishes the offshore perimeters that can be offered for concession and identifies the essential technical information related to the perimeters in question, which is made available to economic operators interested in participating in the competitive tendering procedure, establishes the offshore perimeters that can be concessioned for the exploration of the perimeters and the construction and operation of offshore wind power plants in compliance with the prohibited areas.

The Ministry of Energy concludes the concession contract, receives and manages the data and information on offshore wind resources communicated by the concessionaires, ensuring the storage, systematization and exploitation, draws the model concession framework contract, which includes the rights and obligations of the parties, draws up the state aid scheme, and as granting authority it monitors and controls the concessionaire’s compliance with the provisions of the concession contract.

Within three months from the date of entry into force of this law, the Ministry of Energy shall initiate the procedures for preparing an expert study for the concession process and the exploration, construction and operation of offshore wind power plants, Agerpres reports. 

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The transition to renewable energy must be achieved sustainably. Intermittentness was a problem that needed to be addressed and resolved, as far as possible, at the source generating it. Here, Prime Batteries has assumed the role of solution provider since 2016. We are identified as a battery manufacturer in the market, but our main business is the supply of lithium-ion battery storage solutions. We found a synergy with Monsson because their experience in the renewable energy industry led to projects like the one in Mireasa Park.

Vicentiu Ciobanu, PRIME’s CEO

This first stage is only one of the three stages that will constitute 216 MWh, and storage capacity will be put into operation this year in the same place. The concept is modular and suitable for high-capacity storage solutions, and it uses the latest monitoring and safety technologies for this type of product. The Monsson team created the monitoring and control software usable for storage systems and energy trading. The Monsson solution uses domestic batteries produced by the Romanian company Prime Batteries Technology. The storage unit will be charged with energy produced by the existing 50 MW Wind Farm in operation, with photovoltaic energy produced by the 35 MW Galbiori 2 Photovoltaic Park under construction which will be connected to the grid in 2024, as well as from the national grid, when there is no wind or sun. The control of the hybrid project is fully automatic, remotely, without local operational staff and will work in an integrated system through the proprietary software developed by Monsson.

The investment is made from its sources and was initiated to reduce the volatility of renewable energy production from its portfolio and as an aid to balancing SEN. Thus, the storage unit will ultimately help increase the penetration of renewable energies in Romania and reduce energy costs for end consumers by testing battery functionality to demonstrate the immediate benefits of storage facilities attached to renewable energy production sources. We want to promote such solutions both in Romania and everywhere in Europe,

Sebastian Enache, a member of the Monsson board.

In a landmark move that underscores Romania’s commitment to renewable energy and technological innovation, the inauguration of the largest electrical energy storage capacity in batteries marks a significant milestone. The project, a collaborative endeavour between PRIME Batteries and Monsson, showcases the formidable synergy between experienced renewable energy players and heralds a new era of energy storage solutions in Romania. With an installed capacity of 24 MWh, this initiative is pivotal in addressing the intermittency challenges inherent in renewable energy sources, thereby enhancing the reliability and sustainability of green energy across the nation.

This inaugural phase, the first of three aiming to achieve a total storage capacity of 216 MWh, represents a forward-thinking approach to energy management and a strategic investment in the future of renewable energy in Romania and potentially across Europe. The project’s innovative use of lithium-ion battery storage solutions and cutting-edge monitoring and safety technologies sets a new standard in the industry. It demonstrates a significant leap toward reducing renewable energy production volatility and increasing energy accessibility and affordability for end consumers.

As PRIME Batteries and Monsson expand their footprint in the renewable energy sector, their efforts could increase renewable energy penetration in Romania and as a model for Europe and beyond.

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