Galp, Powin to Build Large-Scale BESS for Portuguese Solar Plant

Powin LLC and Galp have entered into a partnership to install a utility-scale battery energy storge system (BESS) at a Galp solar power plant near Alcoutim, Algarve Region, Portugal. Galp operates a number of projects in the region with a combined capacity of 144 MW.

“This particular project with Galp is bigger than its MW impact – it is the beginning of a new partnership and is Powin’s first project in Europe following the opening of our Madrid office,” said Powin CEO, Jeff Waters. “Europe is expected to deploy over 90 GWh of utility-scale battery energy storage projects by 2030, and we are well positioned to support this demand along with the wider EMEA region’s rapid energy storage growth.”

Rendering of Galp's solar power plant with installed BESS; Image Credits: Business Wire

The 5 MW/20 MWh battery system is Galp’s effort to hybridize its solar power production portfolio, which totals close to 1.5 GW in operation. The BESS will enable Galp to store solar energy produced during periods of high generation and deploy it in periods of high demand. Alcoutim is Powin’s first energy storage project in Europe, positioned to grow the market for BESS technology on the continent.

As part of Galp’s transformation strategy, the company has taken the final investment decision (FID) and started construction works to build a large-scale electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen. In addition to the electrolyzer, Galp will build a 270 ktpa advanced biofuels unit and expand its electric vehicle charging network.

“As Galp keeps growing its renewable energy capacity aiming to transform its industrial base to produce green fuels and sell renewable energy to its clients, storage solutions are key to ensure a steady supply of electrons to our businesses,” said Georgios Papadimitriou, Galp's Executive Director of Renewables, New Business, and Innovation. “Batteries also add to the competitiveness of our renewable energy portfolio by making solar and wind power available when they are most needed.”