Akuo to construct 220MWh SantasBAT storage system in Portugal. The project is expected to become operational by Q2 2027. French renewable energy producer Akuo has announced plans to construct a battery energy storage system (BESS) with an 80MW power capacity and 220MWh of energy storage in Borba, Portugal. The system will integrate with the existing Santas photovoltaic (PV) plant and is expected to become operational by the second quarter of 2027 (Q2 2027). The SantasBAT project has received nearly €15m ($17.32m) in funding from the PRR - Recovery and Resilience Plan, part of the NextGenerationEU framework. This financial support is intended to accelerate the development of energy storage technologies, strengthening the sustainability and resilience of Portugal's electricity grid. Operational since September 2024, the Santas solar plant currently has an installed capacity of 181MW. The integration of SantasBAT will allow the plant to store excess energy generated during daylight hours for use when demand peaks or solar output drops. This storage capability is comparable to meeting the electricity demands of a city such as Évora for approximately five hours. SantasBAT aims to optimise the use of renewable energy generated at the Santas plant while strengthening supply security and reliability by smoothing the inherent fluctuations in renewable output. This initiative supports Portugal's goal of reaching 85% renewable energy in total electricity generation by 2030, advancing energy independence and decarbonisation efforts. During the construction phase, which runs until mid-2027, Akuo has committed to minimising local impacts, focusing on community safety and respect. Akuo Portugal CEO João Macedo said: "SantasBAT will be a significant instrument for the energy transition that Portugal has been striving to promote within its electricity grid. "Energy storage is a natural next step as renewable capacity grows. By providing essential ancillary services and enabling the shift of electricity generated during the day to periods of higher demand, storage helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, supports greater integration of renewables and strengthens Portugal's energy independence." Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.

Akuo to build 220 MWh battery at Santas solar PV plant. Published by Abby Butler, Editorial Assistant Energy Global, Thursday, 26 March 2026 11:00 Akuo, a global renewable energy player, is set to commence construction of SantasBAT, a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 80 MW of power and 220 MWh of energy storage. Located in Borba, Portugal, the BESS will be integrated Akuo's Santas photovoltaic (PV) plant. This strategic project, crucial for Portugal's national energy transition, is scheduled for completion in 2Q27. SantasBAT has secured financial support of nearly €15 000 000 from the Recovery and Resilience Plan, under the NextGenerationEU framework, dedicated to investment in energy storage technologies. This funding will be instrumental in developing infrastructure that enhances the sustainability and resilience of the Portuguese electricity grid. Integrated into the Santas solar plant, which has been operational since September 2024 and currently boasts 181 MW of installed capacity, the SantasBAT system will enable the storage of clean electricity produced during the day, for use during periods of higher demand or when solar production is lower. The capacity of this battery is equivalent to the electricity required to power a city like Évora for approximately five hours. João Macedo, CEO of Akuo in Portugal, commented: "SantasBAT will be a significant instrument for the energy transition that Portugal has been striving to promote within its electricity grid. Energy storage is a natural next step as renewable capacity grows. By providing essential ancillary services and enabling the shift of electricity generated during the day to periods of higher demand, storage helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, supports greater integration of renewables, and strengthens Portugal's energy independence." The benefits of this new storage system will be manifold. In addition to enabling optimal utilisation of the energy generated by the Santas plant, it also contributes to the security and reliability of supply by mitigating fluctuations inherent in renewable energy production. Concurrently, SantasBAT minimises the loss of renewable energy during periods of excess production and strengthens the country's energy independence and its leadership in decarbonisation, aligning with Portugal's goal of achieving 85% renewable energy in its total production by 2030. Throughout the construction period, scheduled until 2Q27. Akuo will ensure the implementation of all necessary measures to mitigate local impacts, with a special focus on safety and respect for the community. Akuo thus reaffirms its role as a strategic partner to local communities in developing a greener and more efficient energy future. For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine. The first issue of 2026 is here! The Spring issue starts with a report about price cannibalisation, and the effects on the renewable energy industry before moving on to articles on topics including electrical infrastructure, solar optimisation, and site surveys and mapping, with contributors from industry leaders such as CESI SpA, APEM Group, North Star, and more - don't miss out! Thursday 26 March 2026 15:00 Vestas has announced plans to establish a nacelle and hub factory in Scotland, the UK, to meet growing demand for offshore wind in the UK and Europe. Embed article link: (copy the HTML code below):