BigBATT – Large-scale Battery Deployment in EDP

Key data

Coordinator: EDP - Gestão da Produção de Energia, SA
Location: Portugal
Category: Energy Storage (ES)
Sector: Intra-day electricity storage
Amount of innovation fund grant: EUR 31,643,527
Expected GHG emissions avoidance: 492,143 tonnes CO2 equivalent
Starting date: 01 may, 2024
Entry into operation date: 31 March, 2027
Finnancial close date: 31 July, 2025
 

Project description

The BigBATT project will deploy a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Carregado, adjacent to the Ribatejo Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) in Portugal. Designed to store and deliver over 3,000 TJ of renewable electricity in ten years, the BESS is projected to save 500,000 tons of CO2 emissions throughout its lifetime. By optimizing energy storage capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the project will enhance the overall efficiency and environmental sustainability of the Portuguese power generation system.  

The project will store the excess of energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand periods, thereby maximizing the use of renewable energy sources and contributing to grid stability and reliability.  

With 180 MW of power and 360 MWh of energy storage capacity, this project will be one of the largest BESS systems deployed in Europe integrated with a CCGT for grid connectivity.  

The strategic location near the CCGT facility will enable seamless integration of the BESS into the existing infrastructure, efficiently connecting the batteries to the grid. This integration will foster the development of a competitive, structured supply chain, create jobs, and provide clean energy to the Lisbon region.  

Moreover, the project will drive cost reductions through manufacturing innovations - such as leveraging Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology - and by collaborating with suppliers. It will also enhance efficiency and address resource constraints, contributing significantly to the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. 

Main Goals

It will be capable of supplying electricity to approximately 100,000 households.  

The project will ensure efficient operation and real-time energy management by leveraging advanced technology. The project leverages advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (Li-ion LFP) technology, capable of two discharge cycles per day, and incorporates a state-of-the-art Energy Management System (EMS) for real-time monitoring and control. These innovations ensure efficient operation, optimal energy dispatch, and real-time energy management.