Axpo and Energix have formalized a strategic agreement to optimize Poland’s largest battery energy storage system, representing a significant development in the country’s energy infrastructure modernization. The collaboration adds to Axpo’s growing portfolio of storage projects across Europe and demonstrates increasing investment in grid flexibility solutions.
The 24MW/56MWh battery facility is situated in Nowe Czarnowo, West Pomerania, and is currently in the commissioning and prequalification phase for participation in Poland’s balancing market. The project is scheduled to receive licensing in January 2026, positioning it as the first utility-scale battery energy storage system in Poland. This milestone is expected to establish operational and regulatory precedents for the country’s emerging energy storage sector, which is critical to accommodating higher penetrations of variable renewable generation.
Under the terms of the partnership, Axpo assumes responsibility for comprehensive revenue optimization across the project lifecycle. This includes commercial strategy development, regulatory compliance management, and technical coordination to facilitate integration into both wholesale electricity markets and ancillary balancing services. The arrangement leverages Axpo’s experience in European energy trading and market operations.
The battery storage facility is strategically located near the Krajnik power station and operates in conjunction with Energix’s existing wind and solar generation assets in the region. These renewable installations are already integrated into Axpo’s commercial management portfolio. The proximity of these assets enables coordinated dispatch strategies and optimization of grid connection arrangements with PSE, Poland’s transmission system operator, potentially reducing overall system costs and improving asset utilization.
The Axpo-Energix relationship extends beyond this battery project, encompassing seven existing renewable energy power purchase agreements. These contracts cover 300MW of wind generation capacity and 40MW of solar photovoltaic installations. The battery storage partnership incorporates a profit-sharing structure between both entities and addresses operational responsibilities including capacity market obligations and participation in ancillary service markets required by Polish grid regulations.
Mateusz Marczewski, managing director of Axpo’s Polish operations, emphasized the company’s pioneering role in developing commercial frameworks for battery storage in the Polish market. He noted that Axpo’s flexible approach enables rapid deployment of grid stabilization services while enhancing the economic performance of renewable energy projects. The company positions itself as an early mover in establishing contractual templates and operational procedures for battery energy storage systems in Poland’s evolving regulatory environment.
Artur Violante, chief executive of Energix Polska, highlighted Axpo’s track record as a reliable partner combining international expertise with local market knowledge. He characterized the Nowe Czarnowo storage project as an initial step in a broader strategic initiative. Energy storage development represents a core component of Energix’s expansion plans in Poland and its international markets, reflecting industry trends toward integrated renewable generation and storage solutions.
Axpo continues to scale its international battery storage business, drawing on operational experience from Switzerland and other European markets. The company’s expanding portfolio reflects broader industry movement toward grid-scale storage as a necessary complement to renewable energy expansion, providing frequency regulation, voltage support, and capacity services that maintain grid reliability as conventional thermal generation retires.
The development of utility-scale battery storage in Poland aligns with European Union energy transition objectives and national commitments to increase renewable energy penetration. Battery systems provide essential flexibility to manage the intermittency of wind and solar generation, enabling higher renewable energy shares while maintaining grid stability. The prequalification process for balancing market participation indicates the facility will provide ancillary services critical to power system operations.
Poland’s energy storage sector is in early development stages compared to more mature markets in Western Europe, making the Nowe Czarnowo project significant from both commercial and regulatory perspectives. Successful operation of this facility could accelerate deployment of additional storage projects and inform policy frameworks governing energy storage participation in Polish electricity markets. The project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Poland’s energy transition and the commercial viability of battery storage under current market conditions.
