Akuo, a global renewable energy player, is set to commence construction of SantasBAT, a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 80 MW of power and 220 MWh of energy storage.
Located in Borba, Portugal, the BESS will be integrated Akuo’s Santas photovoltaic (PV) plant. This strategic project, crucial for Portugal’s national energy transition, is scheduled for completion in 2Q27.
SantasBAT has secured financial support of nearly €15 000 000 from the Recovery and Resilience Plan, under the NextGenerationEU framework, dedicated to investment in energy storage technologies. This funding will be instrumental in developing infrastructure that enhances the sustainability and resilience of the Portuguese electricity grid.
Integrated into the Santas solar plant, which has been operational since September 2024 and currently boasts 181 MW of installed capacity, the SantasBAT system will enable the storage of clean electricity produced during the day, for use during periods of higher demand or when solar production is lower. The capacity of this battery is equivalent to the electricity required to power a city like Évora for approximately five hours.
