Neoen has announced plans to move ahead with its first grid-scale battery storage project in Japan, marking an important step in its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. On April 1, 2026, the company confirmed that it will soon issue a notice to proceed for the Ako Energy Storage System, which will be located in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. The project is designed with a capacity of 100 MW and 400 MWh, making it a large-scale storage facility aimed at supporting the country’s evolving energy needs.
Neoen acquired the project in 2025 and has since made steady progress. In January 2026, it secured a grid connection agreement with Kansai Transmission and Distribution, which is a key milestone for the development. If everything proceeds as planned, the battery storage system is expected to be commissioned by 2028. The project will play an important role in improving grid stability by managing fluctuations caused by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
The company’s CEO, Xavier Barbaro, emphasized that the Ako project is a significant part of Neoen’s global growth strategy. The company already operates a strong international portfolio of battery storage assets, totaling more than 2.8 GW across countries like Australia, France, and Germany. With this project, Neoen is bringing its global expertise to Japan, where demand for large-scale energy storage is increasing rapidly.
The Ako Energy Storage System is part of a broader wave of battery storage developments in Japan. Several other companies are also working on similar large projects. For example, Kansai Electric Power is developing a 99 MW battery facility in Tanagawa, while Renova is planning major storage projects in Shizuoka and Hokkaido. Many of these projects are targeting completion around 2028, indicating a period of rapid transformation in Japan’s energy infrastructure.
As Japan continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy, grid-scale battery systems are becoming increasingly important. These systems help store excess renewable power and supply it when demand is high, ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply. Neoen’s entry into Japan’s battery storage sector highlights growing international interest in the country’s clean energy transition. With construction expected to begin soon, the Ako project is set to become an important part of Japan’s modern and sustainable energy system.
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