Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., has completed the sale of two standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in France to BW ESS, a global energy storage owner and operator. The transaction covers a combined capacity of 200 MW / 800 MWh and marks BW ESS’s entry into the French energy storage market. The deal also highlights Recurrent Energy’s growing presence in the battery storage sector and its ability to develop and monetize large-scale energy storage projects.
The two projects included in the transaction are Baixas and Coquainvilliers, each with a capacity of 100 MW / 400 MWh. Baixas is located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, while Coquainvilliers is situated in the Calvados department in northern France. Together, the projects are expected to provide 200 MW of power capacity and 800 MWh of energy storage to support the French electricity system.
Both projects have secured advanced transmission-level grid connection positions and have been developed based on favourable grid conditions. According to the companies, the projects are expected to face very limited network constraints, which could support their integration into the electricity network and enable them to provide flexibility services to the power system.
Recurrent Energy originated and developed both projects, undertaking key development activities, including securing land, advancing grid connections, obtaining permits and managing engagement with local stakeholders. The company will continue to oversee the projects through the remaining development stages, using its technical capabilities and understanding of the French energy market.
Following the completion of the remaining development milestones, BW ESS will take responsibility for delivering the projects through construction and into commercial operation. The company plans to own and operate both battery storage facilities over the long term. This arrangement will allow Recurrent Energy to continue contributing its development expertise while BW ESS expands its portfolio of operational energy storage assets.
For BW ESS, the acquisition represents its first transaction with Recurrent Energy and provides an immediate 200 MW / 800 MWh platform in France. The company stated that the projects would establish a foundation for developing a larger energy storage portfolio in the country as it expands its global operations.
Erik Strømsø, CEO and Co-Founder of BW ESS, said the acquisition was an important milestone in the company’s international expansion. He highlighted France’s growing requirement for electricity system flexibility, particularly as weather-sensitive demand and changes in the generation mix create more variable power supply and demand conditions.
He also noted that battery storage could complement France’s nuclear-based electricity generation by providing rapid-response flexibility, absorbing surplus electricity and making low-carbon power available when required.
Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said the transaction demonstrated the company’s ability to develop high-quality BESS projects and create value while remaining involved throughout their development. He added that the projects would support grid stability, balance electricity supply and demand, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into France’s electricity system once operational.
The transaction strengthens both companies’ positions in the European energy storage market, while adding 800 MWh of planned battery storage capacity to France’s developing electricity flexibility infrastructure.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
