BW ESS enters French energy storage market with acquisition of two projects from Recurrent Energy

BW ESS, the global energy storage owner-operator, has acquired two utility-scale standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in France from Recurrent Energy, a global developer, owner and operator of solar and energy storage assets. The acquisition marks BW ESS’ entry into France, its seventh market globally.

The projects, each with a capacity of 100 MW / 400 MWh are located in the regions of Calvados and Eastern Pyrenees. Both projects, which are in advanced development, are expected to play an important role in supporting the flexibility, reliability and resilience of the French power system as the country continues to integrate higher levels of renewable energy.

The acquisition represents a significant step in the continued expansion of BW ESS’ international energy storage platform. The company brings extensive experience from its existing markets and deep expertise across development, construction, optimisation and long-term asset ownership.

France is an increasingly important market for battery energy storage, underpinned by the country’s growing need for flexible capacity, system balancing and grid stability. As renewable generation continues to expand, large-scale BESS assets are expected to become increasingly critical in helping to manage supply and demand, reduce system constraints and support the efficient operation of the electricity network.

The two projects are also expected to benefit from their standalone configuration and strategic positioning within the French power system. As battery storage assets, they will be able to provide rapid-response flexibility services, store electricity when supply is abundant and discharge when it is most needed. This capability helps improve system efficiency and supports the broader energy transition.

Erik Strømsø, CEO and Co-Founder of BW ESS, commented: “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.”

Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy, added: “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.”

BW ESS intends to own and operate the assets over the long term, applying its experience across construction, optimisation and asset management to support their successful delivery and long-term performance. Recurrent Energy will continue to lead the projects through the remaining development phase until they are ready-to-build, drawing on its local market knowledge, technical capabilities and experience in delivering renewable energy and storage projects.