DTEK has selected Fluence Energy B.V., a subsidiary of Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNC), to implement Ukraine's first large-scale energy storage portfolio based on battery systems. The project, with a total investment of €140 million, is a significant step towards strengthening Ukraine's energy independence, stabilizing power supply, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Fluence, a global leader in energy storage, will provide intelligent energy storage solutions, operational services, and software to optimize assets.
- An investment of €140 million is aimed at enhancing Ukraine's energy security and grid stability.
- The project consists of six energy storage installations across Ukraine, capable of providing 400 MWh of dispatched energy, sufficient for short-term power supply to 600,000 households.
- Upon commissioning, the project will become the largest operational energy storage system in Eastern Europe.
Fluence and DTEK (through its subsidiary DTEK VDE) plan to complete the project by October 2025, with systems in place before the winter season of 2025-2026 to fortify Ukraine's power grid during potential outages. The project is an essential part of the #BattleForLight campaign aimed at ensuring electricity for Ukrainians during the extreme conditions of war.
Six energy storage units will be located across Ukraine, with capacities ranging from 20 MW to 50 MW, totaling 200 MW. They will store up to 400 MWh of electricity, enough to supply 600,000 households (approximately half of Kyiv's households) for two hours.
DTEK CEO Maksym Timchenko stated, “Energy storage systems are a crucial element in creating a decentralized energy system in Ukraine, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. Our partnership with Fluence highlights our commitment to leading the energy storage sector in Ukraine and Europe.”
Fluence CEO Julian Nebreda said, “We are excited to partner with DTEK on this landmark energy storage project in Ukraine. This initiative not only demonstrates Fluence’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s energy security but also underscores our leadership in delivering advanced energy storage solutions. The project aligns with our mission to transform the way we power our world, laying the foundation for a more resilient, decentralized energy future for Ukraine.”
The energy storage systems will provide frequency and power balancing services to stabilize Ukraine’s energy grid, commissioned by the Ukrainian transmission system operator, Ukrenergo. Unlike traditional power plants, energy storage systems respond within milliseconds. The decentralized nature of the project will allow the energy system to avoid outages and restore stability more quickly at the local level.
Moreover, the storage systems are designed to offer high-tech services to stabilize the grid due to their ability to form a network. Ukraine will become one of the first countries to use this innovative functionality, strengthening its energy infrastructure for the future. Enhanced control modes will also enable rapid power restoration after outages.
DTEK has chosen Fluence, a leader in the U.S. and European markets, founded by Siemens and AES Corporation. Fluence has built over 35 GWh of energy-saving solutions with industry-leading characteristics. The company has extensive experience integrating energy storage systems into national energy infrastructures, including a 201 MW energy storage project portfolio in Lithuania and 450 MW for transmission system operators in Germany.
Following the delivery of the energy storage equipment, DTEK and Fluence teams will oversee the installation, configuration, network integration, and testing to ensure readiness to support Ukraine's energy needs. DTEK employees will undergo training at Fluence to earn partner certificates, enabling them to install, commission, and maintain energy storage systems, ensuring close collaboration between Fluence and DTEK in future projects.
