Alpiq continues to invest in flexibility and acquires a 100 MW battery project in France

The energy transition needs flexible electricity generation and storage. Flexible power plants and electricity storage such as (pumped) hydro storage power plants and batteries are paving the way for the energy transition by enabling the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Their deployment in electricity production and grid stabilisation enables a smooth integration of electricity production from wind and solar into the energy system. 

Alpiq is strengthening its position as a provider of flexibility with the acquisition of a battery energy storage system (BESS) in northern France. It was developed by the French subsidiary of Harmony Energy, a market leader in Europe in the development, construction, and operational management of BESS projects. The large-scale battery in the department of Oise, north of Paris, is expected to go into operation in 2026 with an output of 100 MW and a capacity of 200 MWh, making it one of the largest of its kind in France. Provision of its valuable services will improve grid stability and contribute to security of supply; for example, it will be able to supply electricity to 170,000 households for two hours. 

"The investment in this battery energy storage system in France signals a clear commitment from Alpiq. On the one hand, it underlines the strategy of expanding our flexible asset portfolio in our core markets to enable the integration of variable renewable energy and through that the energy transition," says Lukas Gresnigt, Head of International and Member of the Executive Board of Alpiq. "On the other hand, the investment is a further commitment to expansion of our position in France, a core market for Alpiq where we have a strong position in supplying energy to commercial and industrial customers." 

In Europe, with its portfolio of flexible power plants, Alpiq makes a significant contribution to system flexibility and security of supply in many countries. As part of its strategy, Alpiq is expanding its flexible portfolio in its core markets and plans further investments in battery storage. In June, it announced the acquisition of a 30 MW BESS project in Finland, of which construction is progressing according to plan: the system in Valkeakoski (southern Finland) is scheduled to go into operation in summer 2025. Alpiq is working on further acquisitions of battery storage projects in France, Switzerland, Germany and the Nordics. In addition to BESS, Alpiq is evaluating investments in other flexible and storage assets in the markets in which it is currently active. 

As a leading electricity producer and energy service provider with Swiss roots, Alpiq is active in many European countries. Operating in France since 2002, Alpiq is the fourth-largest supplier of electricity and one of the main gas suppliers, with more than 25 TWh of energy delivered to French customers in 2023. It also contributes to security of supply and provides market access and flexibility solutions to French electricity producers. 

Indeed, as an aggregator, Alpiq bundles and brings to market the electricity generated by decentralised production plants with an installed capacity of 1500 MW. Alpiq thus plays a pioneering role in the integration of renewable energy and secures part of the electricity needs of its customers, whether industrial, commercial or households. 

Harmony Energy was founded in the UK in 2010. Since then, the company has become a European market leader in the development, construction, commissioning and operational management of energy storage projects, wind farms and photovoltaic systems. Its subsidiary Harmony Energy France was founded at the beginning of 2022 to develop PV and storage projects in France. Harmony Energy aims to facilitate the transition to a sustainable energy system in environmental, financial and social terms, and has already installed more than 600 MW of batteries in the UK. In France, Harmony Energy is currently building a 100 MW storage facility near Nantes. 

You can find more information about Harmony Energy at harmonyenergy.co.uk