ENGIE’s Hazelwood battery energy storage system (BESS) expansion in Australia has moved closer to financial close after a state transmission declaration.

Energy companies are accelerating battery storage deployment in Romania, with Aukera, ENEVO Group and Kraftfeld Energy, and PPC Renewables Romania announcing significant project developments.

Four large-scale BESS projects totalling a combined 2.2GWh of capacity in major EU markets can now proceed with construction following successful financing by owners OX2, R.Power, BRUC and Aukera.

Major Australian energy generator-retailer EnergyAustralia has reached financial close on its 250MWh Hallett battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia.

Owner-operator Fidra Energy came out of virtually nowhere to be building one of Europe’s largest BESS in the UK, the 1.4GW/3.1GWh Thorpe Marsh project. We catch up with CEO Chris Elder, about its strategy and projects but also broader BESS and clean energy financing trends.

Fidra Energy has secured £1 billion for the largest BESS in the UK, while EDF and Elements Green have agreed a toll for a 720MWh system.

Spanish developer and independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra has reached financial close for its hybrid 1GWh BESS and solar PV plant in Chile.

Project owners BSTOR and Energy Solutions Group have started building separate BESS projects totalling 440MWh of capacity in Belgium, following financial close, both of which will use Tesla Megapacks.

Macquarie-backed Eku Energy has completed the financing on its first battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Japan.

Australia’s national Clean Energy Finance Corporation has invested to help a 100MW/200MWh battery storage project reach financial close.