The Czech Republic’s fourth pumped hydro energy storage plant is to be built within an existing hydropower complex, converting convention run-of-river into reversible units, creating 750MWh of energy storage capacity.

Energy trading firm Second Foundation is building three grid-scale BESS projects in the Czech Republic totalling 307MW this year, with the technology provided by local firm Gaz Energy.

Vertically integrated utilities Eneco and EPH will build a 50MW/200MWh BESS in the Netherlands via a 50:50 joint venture.

The European Commission has given the go-ahead to a scheme in Czechia that will support the deployment of 1.5GWh of energy storage projects.