Neoen has announced two record-breaking projects for battery storage, its first major investment in Japan and the launch of the largest battery facility in France.
The renewable energy company has announced its first investment in the Japan Ako Battery project, which will be one of Japan’s largest batteries.
The project is located in the Hyogo Prefecture, within the Kansai region. Neoen is collaborating with French company Equans and Japanese company Toho on the 100 MW / 400 MWh facility.
As a four-hour long-duration battery, Ako is designed to enhance the stability and resilience of the Japanese grid. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the site expected to be fully operational by 2028.
Group CEO Xavier Barbaro described the move as a major step in Neoen’s regional expansion.
“This achievement is impressive both in its scale and the speed of its delivery. Our team in Tokyo is fully dedicated to contributing our storage expertise to help strengthen Japan’s energy security and accelerate its energy transition.”
Simultaneously, Neoen has greenlit the Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine battery, located 90km southeast of Paris. At 248 MW / 496 MWh, it will become the largest battery in France and the first to connect to the nation’s 400 kV high-voltage transmission network.
Neoen has partnered with Japanese group Nidec ASI to supply the battery modules. These will be assembled locally in France at a new production facility near Saint-Étienne.
The project will provide critical frequency and voltage regulation to the Paris metropolitan area, paving the way for higher renewable energy penetration.
Guillaume Decaen, CEO of Neoen France, said: “After several years of development and engagement with residents and local organisations, we are proud to see this exceptional project come to life.
“This battery will contribute significantly to the protection and stability of the Île-de-France network and will enable Neoen to offer innovative solutions to its customers.”
With the announcement of this new battery, Neoen cements its position as France’s leading independent renewable energy company.
This is its second large-scale storage project after Breizh Big Battery (92 MW / 183 MWh) in Pleyber-Christ, Brittany, which is currently nearing completion.
The company is also a global giant in the renewables space, with operations in 15 countries across three regions.
Since 2017, when Neoen delivered the world’s first big battery, Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia, the company has maintained a prominent role in Australia’s battery storage sector, holding the country’s largest portfolio of big batteries totalling 2.3 GW / 7.2 GWh in operation or under construction.
