Central and South-Eastern Europe is becoming an increasingly important destination for investment in the energy transition. Across the region, large-scale wind and solar developments, new battery storage facilities and government-led renewable energy programmes are reshaping energy markets and creating opportunities for international businesses.
Recent projects in Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Croatia illustrate the scale and diversity of this transformation. But as investment grows, so does the need for companies to communicate clearly, build stakeholder trust and demonstrate the long-term value of their projects. Turning investment into lasting business opportunities requires more than delivering infrastructure. It requires effective communication.
In Romania, renewable energy investment continues to accelerate. Renewable energy developer Rezolv Energy is expanding its regional portfolio with major wind and solar projects, including the 461 MW VIFOR wind farm and the 1.3 GWp Dama solar project. The company has also secured €367 million in financing for another wind farm, Danube East, in Constanța County. Meanwhile, HELLENiQ ENERGY has announced plans to invest more than €1 billion in renewable energy and energy storage projects in Romania, targeting a combined capacity of 1.3 GW. These developments underline Romania's growing importance as a destination for large-scale renewable energy investment.
In Bulgaria, Danish developer European Energy is proposing an integrated project in the Dobrich region, combining around 1 GW of wind capacity with solar power and battery storage. The proposal also includes local employment and training opportunities.
In Albania, the government, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) through its Renewable Energy Market Accelerator (REMA) programme, is preparing a tender for 300 MW of solar power combined with battery storage. The aim is to diversify the country's energy supply, which currently relies heavily on hydropower, and reduce its dependence on rainfall and water availability.
In Croatia, a 60 MW / 120 MWh battery storage facility has been completed in Šibenik by IE-Energy/NextGrid Energy in cooperation with NGEN. The facility can store surplus electricity and release it when needed, helping to balance the electricity supply and support the integration of renewable energy.
Together, these developments show how countries across the region are pursuing different approaches to strengthen energy security and attract investment.
Making complex investments relevant to local audiences is essential to the success of energy projects. Beyond technical, financial and regulatory requirements, companies need to communicate what their investments mean in practice. Local communities want to understand the impact on their area, investors and business partners look for clear long-term objectives, employees need insight into the company's direction, and the media expect transparent, accessible information. Clear messaging, credible data and consistent stakeholder engagement help address these expectations, explain project benefits and respond to concerns around environmental impact, land use and local development.
As investment in the energy transition accelerates, companies must communicate not only their ambitions but also their progress and results. CEE/SEE offers significant opportunities, but each market has its own regulatory environment, media landscape and stakeholder expectations. International businesses therefore need a consistent regional narrative supported by communication strategies tailored to local realities.
At Chapter 4, we combine regional coordination with local market expertise to help companies build credibility, engage key stakeholders and establish a trusted long-term presence across the region.
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Sources:
Rezolv Energy secures up to €367 million financing for the Dunarea East wind farm in Romania
Helleniq to invest over €1 billion in 1.3GW renewables and energy storage in Romania - PV Tech
Rezolv Energy leiht weitere 367 Millionen Euro für einen Windpark in Rumänien – StartupCafe
BTA :: Danish Company Presents Investment Plans in Bulgaria to Economy Minister Poulev
Albania: REMA: Support for the Implementation of Solar PV and BESS Auction | We invest in changing lives
Albania Plans 300 MW Solar PV-Plus-Storage Tender
BESS Šibenik opens: 60 MW / 120 MWh | NGEN - NGEN