Breizh Big Battery inaugurated in France

The Breizh Big Battery (BBB), with a power capacity of 92 MW and 183 MWh, was inaugurated in Pleyber-Christ, in the Finistère region of France, by the French independent power producer Neoen. The battery, developed in collaboration with the local commune, was constructed by Huawei & Equans and completed in 18 months with up to 50 people involved in its construction. Neoen describes the BBB as one of the most powerful batteries in France.

Grid forming mode experiment in France

The BBB is part of an unprecedented experiment in France conducted by the grid operator RTE, which is changing the operating mode of the inverters from grid following mode to grid forming mode through a simple software update (retrofit), without modifying the inverters themselves. In France, current battery storage plants typically operate in grid following mode, aligning with the voltage of the local grid.

Public engagement in the battery project

The Breizh Big Battery project involved regular exchanges and public meetings with local residents to address concerns and inform the public about electricity storage. As part of this partnership, Neoen has committed to contributing to the funding of an energy transition project led by the municipality, specifically the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the communal gymnasium.

Neoen's expanding battery network

This is Neoen's fourth battery energy storage system (BESS) in France. The company has also launched the construction of the largest battery in the country in Vernou-la-Celle-sur-Seine, with a capacity of 248 MW / 496 MWh. Since 2017, Neoen has developed a global portfolio of batteries, with a total capacity currently in operation or under construction amounting to 3.5 GW / 10.6 GWh.

Global battery projects by Neoen

This includes some of the largest batteries in the world, such as the Collie Battery (560 MW / 2240 MWh), the largest battery in operation in Australia, as well as several other batteries in Europe: Isbillen Power Reserve (93.9 MW / 93.9 MWh) in Sweden, and Yllikkälä Power Reserve (86.4 MW / 142.9 MWh) in Finland, which are the largest in the Nordic countries.