en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 27th, The French Akuo Group plans to build a 220 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Santas Solar Power Plant in Borba, Portugal. The project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027, aiming to support Portugal's energy transition.
The SantasBAT energy storage system has received nearly €15 million in funding support from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, specifically for energy storage technology investment. This funding will be used for infrastructure development to enhance the stability and sustainability of the Portuguese power grid.
The energy storage system will be integrated into the Santas Solar Power Plant, which has been operational since September 2024 with an installed capacity of 181 MW. The system can store clean electricity generated during the day for use during peak demand periods or when solar power is insufficient. Its capacity is sufficient to meet the electricity needs of a city similar to Évora for approximately five hours.
João Macedo, CEO of Akuo Portugal, stated: "SantasBAT will become a key tool for the Portuguese power grid to advance its energy transition. As renewable energy scales up, energy storage is the necessary next step. By providing ancillary services and shifting electricity to periods of demand, energy storage helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promotes the integration of renewable energy, and enhances Portugal's energy autonomy."
The new energy storage system will optimize energy utilization at the Santas Power Plant, mitigate the volatility of renewable energy, and ensure power supply security. Simultaneously, it can reduce losses from excess energy, support national energy independence and decarbonization goals, and align with Portugal's plan to achieve 85% renewable energy generation by 2030.
During the construction period, Akuo will take measures to mitigate local impacts, focusing on safety and community respect, reaffirming its role as a community partner in jointly promoting a green and efficient energy future.
