Located at the Port of Nantes Saint‑Nazaire Harbour, the Cheviré project is France’s first large‑scale, two‑hour duration battery storage facility. Utilising Tesla Megapack and Autobidder technologies and boasting a substantial 100 MW / 200 MWh capacity, the site’s energisation in August and inauguration in December marked standout moments for energy storage in France and across Europe.
Andy Symonds, CEO of Harmony Energy France said: “The Cheviré site represents a landmark step in the transition towards a lower-carbon, more secure energy system. The development, construction, grid connection and commissioning of France’s largest battery storage facility took just three years, a remarkably short timeframe for a project of this scale. This achievement is built on the recognised expertise and commitment of our teams and partners. The speed of this deployment also demonstrates our thorough command of the tools and technologies needed to support the energy system’s transition, which remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels today.
“Working with Alpiq on this project and transaction has been a genuine pleasure. The sale of Cheviré reflects the value the market places on this type of project, both in France and across Europe. It provides us with the resources and momentum to accelerate new developments and continue delivering projects at the forefront of the energy transition in France.”
Construction began in summer 2024, and within just one year the project achieved energisation. Built on the grounds of the former Cheviré power plant, which operated on fossil fuels for more than three decades, the facility now stands as a powerful symbol of France’s clean energy transition. With the ability to power approximately 170,000 homes for two hours, exceeding the population of Nantes, the Cheviré BESS plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy security, and mitigating price volatility.
Andy added: “On behalf of the entire Harmony Energy France team, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all partners involved in the project transaction, not least Green Giraffe, Bracewell, KPMG, Everoze, Enixe, Mazars, Clean Horizon for their invaluable support throughout the process.”
As part of the Cheviré sale to Alpiq, Harmony Energy will continue to play a key role as asset manager, ensuring the site’s performance and operational optimisation.
