Axpo, a Swiss energy company, and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies specializing in battery energy storage, have partnered for the first time on two battery storage projects in France. These projects, located in Orbec, Normandy, and Bois Paillet, Centre-Val de Loire, will have a combined capacity of 122 megawatt-hours (MWh) and 55 megawatts (MW). The installations aim to support the flexibility of the French electricity grid, which is essential for managing energy supply and demand effectively, especially with the increasing use of renewable energy sources. Axpo has signed two contracts with Saft to supply battery energy storage systems (BESS) for these projects. These systems will be installed at the Orbec and Bois Paillet sites, offering a total storage capacity of 122 MWh and 55 MW of power. Saft will provide fully integrated BESS solutions, which include not only battery systems but also power conversion equipment and energy management devices, ensuring efficient and reliable operation. The Orbec site in Normandy will be equipped with 18 Intensium Flex battery containers, giving it a total capacity of 92 MWh and a power output of 41 MW. Meanwhile, the Bois Paillet site will host six of these containers, resulting in a capacity of 30 MWh and a power output of 14 MW. Deliveries of the systems are expected to begin in early 2027. The projects also emphasize environmental and acoustic considerations. To minimize noise from the installations, the design includes silent operation modes, optimized cooling systems, and acoustic attenuation devices integrated into the batteries. Additional noise barriers will be installed to ensure compliance with local noise regulations, reflecting a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of these new energy storage facilities.