Neoen unveils large-scale battery projects in France, Japan

Neoen, a subsidiary of Canadian asset manager Brookfield, has announced two significant battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in France and Japan, marking a strategic expansion of its presence in both markets. The projects, unveiled during the Franco-Japanese Economic Forum in Tokyo, feature installations totaling 348 MW and 896 MWh of capacity.

In France, Neoen is developing a large-scale BESS project in Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine, located in the Seine-et-Marne department. This installation will have a capacity of 248 MW and 496 MWh, making it the largest battery in the country and the first to connect to the 400 kV transmission network operated by RTE. Positioned near the Chesnoy substation, the system will provide critical frequency and voltage regulation services to the Île-de-France grid. Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2026, with commissioning planned for 2028, contingent on additional environmental studies. This project represents Neoen’s second major storage venture in France, following the Breizh Big Battery (92 MW/183 MWh) in Pleyber-Christ, Brittany, which the company has stated is nearing completion.

The French project also underscores Neoen’s ongoing industrial partnership with Japan-based Nidec, with this being the twelfth battery project the two companies have developed together. Nidec will supply the battery units, assemble them at its production facility in La Fouillouse near Saint-Étienne, and provide maintenance services for 20 years. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in the global energy storage market, as companies seek to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.

Simultaneously, Neoen is launching its first investment in Japan with the Ako Battery project in Hyogo prefecture. This facility will have a capacity of 100 MW and 400 MWh. The company is partnering with France’s Equans and Japan’s Toho, and has already signed a grid connection agreement with Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) in January 2026. Construction is expected to commence in the coming months, marking Neoen’s entry into the Japanese market and further solidifying its commitment to expanding its storage portfolio across multiple regions.

These new projects demonstrate Neoen’s ambition to play a pivotal role in the global energy storage landscape, particularly in supporting the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system. By investing in large-scale BESS installations in France and Japan, the company aims to enhance grid stability, integrate renewable energy sources, and contribute to the decarbonization efforts of both countries.

The announcement comes at a time when energy storage solutions are increasingly recognized as essential for addressing the challenges posed by the rapid integration of renewable energy into power grids. As renewable sources such as wind and solar become more prevalent, the need for reliable and flexible storage systems to manage energy supply and demand becomes paramount. Neoen’s new projects in France and Japan highlight the company’s commitment to addressing these needs and positioning itself as a key player in the evolving energy storage market.

In France, the Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine project will be instrumental in supporting the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets, particularly in the Île-de-France region, which is home to a significant portion of the nation’s energy consumption. By providing essential grid services, the battery will help ensure the stability and reliability of the power supply, even as the share of renewable energy continues to grow.

In Japan, the Ako Battery project will contribute to the country’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. With a capacity of 100 MW and 400 MWh, the facility will play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources, which are expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The partnership with Equans and Toho, along with the grid connection agreement with KEPCO, underscores the importance of collaboration in the development of large-scale energy storage projects in Japan.

Neoen’s expansion into Japan marks a significant milestone for the company, as it enters a market that is rapidly evolving in response to the global energy transition. The Ako Battery project will benefit from Japan’s advanced technological capabilities and expertise in the energy storage sector, enabling Neoen to leverage these resources and enhance its own capabilities.

The two new projects also reflect Neoen’s strategic focus on developing large-scale energy storage solutions to address the challenges of integrating renewable energy into power grids. By investing in high-capacity installations, the company aims to provide reliable and scalable storage solutions that can support the growing share of renewable energy in both France and Japan.

In conclusion, Neoen’s announcement of two large-scale BESS projects in France and Japan represents a significant step forward in the company’s global expansion and its commitment to the energy storage market. These projects not only underscore Neoen’s ambition to become a leading player in the energy storage sector but also highlight the growing importance of energy storage solutions in supporting the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system. As the demand for renewable energy continues to rise, the development of large-scale storage installations such as those announced by Neoen will play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and reliability of power grids worldwide.