Portugal's giant battery storage push secures grid stability by 2027

Portugal is accelerating its push for renewable energy with a series of large-scale battery storage projects. One key development is the SantasBAT battery energy storage system (BESS), set to finish in early 2027. The project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's energy grid and meet ambitious green targets.

The initiative follows last year's blackout across the Iberian peninsula, prompting the government to plan a new auction for large-scale storage solutions. The SantasBAT project marks Akuo's first battery storage venture in Portugal. The France-based independent power producer will integrate a 2.75-hour BESS into its existing 181MW Santas solar plant in Borba. This setup will store excess solar energy and release it during peak demand, improving grid stability.

Funding for the project includes €15 million from Portugal's Recovery and Resilience scheme. Akuo, which has experience with similar systems on islands like Tonga and Martinique, will handle some of the system integration in-house.

Portugal's renewable energy sector has seen rapid growth in the past year. Independent producers such as Sonnedix, Hyperion, Voltalia, and NGEN have advanced multiple large-scale projects. Sonnedix's 24MW hybrid battery project is due to begin operations in late 2026, while Akuo's 80MW/220MWh storage facility is now under construction, also targeting a 2027 completion.

These developments align with Portugal's goal of sourcing 85% of its energy from renewables by 2030. The government's upcoming auction for storage capacity will further support this transition, ensuring greater reliability in the national grid. The SantasBAT project will complete in the second quarter of 2027, adding significant storage capacity to Portugal's energy network. With multiple large-scale battery projects now in progress, the country is reinforcing its infrastructure to handle higher renewable output. The government's new auction will likely bring further expansion in the coming years.