France has become the seventh market for BW ESS, which has acquired two standalone BESS projects of 100 MW/400 MWh each from Recurrent Energy. The projects, which lie in Calvados and the Eastern Pyrenees, are in advanced development. Recurrent Energy is to lead them until they are ready to build, after which BW ESS will build, own and operate them.
Combined size: 200 MW/800 MWh
Each project: 100 MW/400 MWh
Seller: Recurrent Energy
Buyer: BW ESS
Project stage: Advanced development
Configuration: Standalone
BW ESS markets: Seven
BW ESS, a Switzerland-based energy storage owner-operator, has acquired two standalone BESS projects in France from Recurrent Energy, and with the purchase it has entered its seventh market. Each of the projects is rated at 100 MW/400 MWh, so the company has begun its French business with a platform of 200 MW/800 MWh.
The projects are located in the regions of Calvados and the Eastern Pyrenees, and both have reached an advanced stage of development. As standalone batteries, they will store electricity when supply is abundant and will discharge it when it is most needed. They will also offer rapid-response flexibility services to the French power system, which is taking in a growing share of renewable energy.
For its part, BW ESS intends to hold the assets over the long term, and it will apply its own experience in construction, optimisation and asset management.
Entering France is a significant milestone for BW ESS and a natural next step in the expansion of our global energy storage platform. These acquisitions give us an immediate 200 MW / 800 MWh platform in the country and provide a strong foundation for building a sizeable French portfolio. France has a strong nuclear base, but it also has a growing need for flexibility as weather-sensitive demand and an evolving generation mix create more variable system conditions. Batteries can complement France’s nuclear backbone by adding the rapid-response flexibility needed to balance the system, absorb surplus power and make low-carbon generation available when it is most valuable. We are excited to work with Recurrent Energy through the next phase and to apply BW ESS’ long-term owner-operator expertise as we bring these assets into construction and operation.Erik Strømsø, CEO and Co-Founder of BW ESS
The sale, however, does not end the role of Recurrent Energy in the projects. The company, which is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, will continue to lead them through the remaining development phase until they have reached ready-to-build status.
This transaction with BW ESS showcases our ability to create value through the delivery of high-quality BESS projects, while remaining closely involved in their development through to commercial operation. It is a strong testament to the BESS platform we have built in France and our ability to continue scaling it.Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy
The deal follows a busy period for BW ESS in Europe. In September, the company acquired two projects of 126 MW and up to 675 MWh in Valencia, Spain, and it has since secured debt for the 400 MW/1.424 GWh Hams Hall BESS in England. In France, Saft signed contracts with Axpo earlier this month for two BESS that total 55 MW/122 MWh.