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 France battery storage transaction covers a combined capacity of 200 MW and 800 MWh, marking BW ESSโs entry into the French energy storage market.
The portfolio comprises the Baixas and Coquainvilliers projects, each designed to provide 100 MW of power capacity and 400 MWh of storage. Baixas is located in the Pyrรฉnรฉes-Orientales department in southern France, while Coquainvilliers is situated in the Calvados department in the north.
Both projects have secured advanced transmission-level grid connection positions and were developed with favourable grid conditions. According to the companies, they are expected to face very limited network constraints, supporting their integration into the French electricity system.
Recurrent Energy to Complete Project Development
Recurrent Energy originated and developed both projects, overseeing land acquisition, grid connection development, permitting and engagement with local stakeholders. The company will remain involved through the outstanding development milestones before handing over responsibility for construction and commercial operation to BW ESS.
Following the completion of these milestones, BW ESS plans to deliver, own and operate the two battery storage facilities over the long term. The arrangement allows Recurrent Energy to continue its project development activities while BW ESS adds the assets to its energy storage portfolio.
BW ESS Enters the French Storage Market
The acquisition marks BW ESSโs first transaction with Recurrent Energy and provides the company with an initial 200 MW / 800 MWh portfolio in France. It also establishes a platform for BW ESS to pursue further energy storage opportunities in the country as part of its international expansion.
BW ESS CEO and Co-Founder Erik Strรธmsรธ described the acquisition as an important milestone for the company. He highlighted Franceโs growing need for electricity system flexibility as weather-sensitive demand and changes in the generation mix influence supply and demand patterns.
Strรธmsรธ also noted that battery storage could complement Franceโs nuclear-based electricity generation by responding rapidly to changes in grid conditions, absorbing surplus electricity and making low-carbon power available when required.
Battery Storage to Support Electricity System Flexibility
The two facilities are expected to contribute to the flexibility of Franceโs electricity network once operational. Their storage capacity could help balance electricity supply and demand and support the integration of renewable energy.
Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said the transaction demonstrated the companyโs ability to develop large-scale BESS projects and generate value while remaining involved through their development. He also highlighted their expected contribution to grid stability and renewable energy integration.
The France battery storage transaction adds 800 MWh of planned battery storage capacity to Franceโs energy infrastructure and expands BW ESSโs presence in the European market. For Recurrent Energy, the transaction represents the completion of a sale following the development of two large-scale storage projects, while retaining a role in their remaining development stages.