• Neoen has started the construction of Akkula Big Battery, in Rauma, Finland
• With a capacity of 62,5 MW / 231 MWh, it is one of the largest and the first 4-hour batteries in the Nordics
• Akkula will provide significant support to the Finnish grid, enhancing its security and reliability
• The battery will be fully operational in 2027
• This is Neoen’s third battery in Finland, bringing Neoen’s total storage capacity in the country to 149 MW / 374 MWh

Neoen, one of the world’s leading producers of exclusively renewable energy, has provided notice to proceed to battery storage expert Nidec, signalling the start of construction of Akkula Big Battery. Nidec will have the overall responsibility of the construction project and will supply the battery containers, battery cells and inverters. Akkula Big Battery consists of 30 battery containers and will be located next to Hevossuo waste management site in Rauma, Finland. The 62.5 MW / 231 MWh 4-hour battery will be the first long duration big battery in the Nordics. Akkula will be connected to Fingrid’s 110 kV overhead transmission line, which is located just next to the site. Neoen owns 100% of Akkula and will be the long-term operator of the asset.

Akkula big battery is expected to deliver 40 new jobs during construction as well as economic opportunities for local businesses. Akkula will also implement a benefit-sharing program for local communities across its 25-year operational lifespan.

The battery will operate in Fingrid’s reserve markets as well as electricity wholesale market. It will provide Fingrid with fast-response ancillary services to help maintain the balance between production and consumption, efficiently improving the power system’s frequency and security as well as facilitating the integration of renewable energy assets. The battery has grid forming capabilities and is able to deliver inertia.

Business Finland has granted a Tax credit for large clean transition investments to Akkula Big Battery.

After Mutkalampi (404 MW), Hedet (81 MW), Björkliden (40.4 MW), Lumivaara (55.8 MW) and Storbötet (105.4 MW) wind farms as well as Yllikkälä Power Reserve (30 MW / 30 MWh), Yllikkälä Power Reserve Two (56 MW / 113 MWh), Akkula reinforces Neoen’s status as one of the country’s leading and fastest growing renewable energy producers, with over 830 MW in operation or under construction, notably supported by ten corporate PPAs.

Akkula is Neoen’s fifth battery in the Nordics. The firm is a leading owner and operator of batteries globally, with a battery storage portfolio of 2.5 GW / 7.0 GWh in operation or under construction.

Jerri Loikkanen, Country Director for Finland, said: “I would like to thank Fingrid and the city of Rauma for their continuous support. As a pioneer and global leader in the storage field, we are delighted and very proud to be launching the construction of the first long duration battery in the country. With now over 830 MW of capacity in operation or under construction in Finland, we are more determined than ever to further increase our contribution to our country’s energy independence and objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035.”

Esko Poikela, Mayor of the City of Rauma continues: “Rauma is a modern and strong industrial city that is actively paving the way for new sustainable energy production and new energy solutions. Neoen’s big battery stabilizes the grid and supports the green transition of both City of Rauma and the whole of Finland by enabling uninterrupted energy supply, especially for energy-intensive operators. Rauma is a great place for a big battery due to the excellent capacity situation of the electricity grid in the area.”

Louis de Sambucy, Neoen CEO for Europe concludes: “I congratulate our team for the hard work that has enabled us to launch the construction of our third big battery in Finland. Storage is crucial in the energy transition, as it allows for a higher share of renewable energy in the power mix. In Finland, as in the rest of the Europe, we will accelerate the deployment of large-scale and long-duration batteries to foster energy competitiveness and a clean energy future.”