France’s Leading Battery Storage Project Undertaken by Harmony Energy

Harmony Energy, a UK-based company, has announced the commencement of construction on the Cheviré battery project. This will be France's largest battery energy storage system (BESS). The facility will be equipped with Tesla Megapack technology and located at the Nantes Saint-Nazaire harbour on the site of the former Cheviré power station.

Clément Girard, Chief Operating Officer of Harmony Energy France, remarked, "It's an exciting location, given the historical importance of the fossil-fuel coal power station. Looking ahead, the delivery of the Cheviré BESS will transform the site into exactly the opposite, facilitating the green electrification of the French energy system while offsetting several hundred thousand tons of CO₂."

The BESS system will have the capacity to power 170,000 homes for two hours, serving a population more significant than that of the city of Nantes. This project represents France's first large-scale, two-hour battery storage system.

Andy Symonds, CEO of Harmony Energy France, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Developing and operating vital battery energy storage facilities across France will lead to enhanced energy security, more affordable energy bills, and the decarbonization of the grid. We are excited to commence building works on our first project."

In March 2024, in collaboration with Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), Harmony Energy activated the 99MW/198-megawatt hour Clay Tye BESS in Essex, UK. This system, one of the largest operational projects of its kind in Europe, can supply power to 300,000 homes for up to two hours. The Clay Tye site features 52 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries and Tesla's Autobidder AI software, enabling energy capacity sharing and optimising project management.