The Merbette Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a 35 MW / 44 MWh standalone energy storage facility located at the Emile Huchet power plant site in Saint-Avold, northeastern France. Developed by Q Energy, the European renewable energy arm of Hanwha Group, in partnership with site owner GazelEnergie, the project represents a major step in decarbonizing the historically fossil-fueled site. Comprising 24 advanced battery containers, the facility has the capacity to store enough electricity to power the daily consumption of approximately 10,000 people. Following its construction start in September 2023, the Merbette project was officially commissioned in 2024, becoming one of France’s largest energy storage systems designed to stabilize the grid and support the integration of renewable energy. This expansion of domestic storage infrastructure is set to scale even further with the largest battery storage development in France by Neoen, which will deliver 400MW to the national grid, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to a high-capacity, renewable-heavy power system.

Project Overview

Type: Standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Location: Emile Huchet power plant site, Saint-Avold, Grand Est region, France

Total Capacity: 35 MW / 44 MWh

Technology: 24 containerized BESS units

Construction Start: September 2023

Commissioning Date: 2024

Impact: Stores the equivalent of the daily electricity consumption of approximately 10,000 people in France

Strategic Initiative: Part of GazelEnergie’s green transformation of its fossil-fuel sites and Q Energy’s larger 1 GW ESS pipeline across Europe (with 400 MW dedicated to France)

Project Team

Developer: Q Energy (European renewable energy IPP arm of the Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group)

Site Owner / Partner: GazelEnergie (an affiliate of the Czech energy group EPH)

Published 29th September 2023: Q Energy, the European renewable energy IPP arm of the Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, is making significant strides in the energy storage sector with the construction of a 35MW/44MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in France. This project, known as “Merbette,” marks a crucial step towards renewable energy integration and decarbonization of the energy mix in France.

Project Overview:

The Merbette project will be located at the Emile Huchet power plant site in Saint-Avold, in northeastern France. Upon completion, it will rank among the largest BESS installations in the country. This ambitious initiative comprises 24 containerized BESS units, although the technology provider remains undisclosed.

Green Transformation and Decarbonization:

Merbette is part of a broader initiative led by GazelEnergie, the owner of the Emile Huchet power plant, to transform historically fossil-fueled sites into cleaner energy hubs. With an impressive energy capacity of 44MWh, this BESS project will have the capability to store electricity equivalent to the daily consumption of approximately 10,000 people. Beyond this immediate impact, it will play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing grid stability.

Also read: 1.5GW Battery Energy Storage Systems to be Developed in Italy

Q Energy’s Vision:

Sang Chull Chung, CEO of Q Energy, views the Merbette project as the vanguard of their ambitious plans. Q Energy is on track to develop a 1GW pipeline of Energy Storage System (ESS) projects across Europe, with a substantial portion, around 400MW, dedicated to France. These endeavors reflect Q Energy’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and energy storage as essential components of the energy transition.

A Vital Component of the Energy Transition:

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), whether standalone or integrated into hybrid power plants, are pivotal in facilitating the energy transition. They are indispensable for grid operators, utilities, and consumers alike. The incorporation of BESS into wind and solar projects stands as a strategic growth area for Q Energy.

The Merbette project not only represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of cleaner energy but also a vital element in grid stabilization and the reduction of electricity price volatility. It aligns with the broader global effort to combat climate change and transition towards sustainable energy sources.

The Merbette BESS project in France underscores the commitment of Q Energy and its parent company, Hanwha Group, to advance renewable energy solutions and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for France and Europe.