Alpiq, the Swiss energy company, has expanded its battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio with the acquisition of the Cheviré facility, a 100MW/200MWh site in the port of Nantes Saint-Nazaire, France. This move underscores Alpiq’s strategic focus on integrating renewable energy into the grid and highlights the growing importance of flexible assets in Europe’s energy transition.
The Cheviré facility, France’s largest battery storage site, can provide essential grid services or power 170,000 households for two hours. Alpiq’s acquisition, completed on 21 January, reinforces its commitment to flexible assets like battery storage and pumped hydropower, which are crucial for balancing variable renewable energy sources and maintaining grid stability. Cheviré’s capacity makes it Alpiq’s largest operational BESS asset, and the company plans further investments in flexible assets across Europe.
Alpiq’s BESS portfolio now exceeds 750MW across Germany, France, and the Nordics, with nearly half of these projects operational or under construction. The company’s additional projects include a 100MW BESS in La Corne-en-Vexin, set to come online in 2027. In December 2025, Alpiq entered the German battery storage market with a project pipeline totaling 370MW in the Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt regions.
Amédée Murisier, head of Alpiq’s business division assets and executive board member, emphasized the significance of flexibility in integrating renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. “The acquisition of the Cheviré battery storage facility marks a milestone in the implementation of our growth strategy in the area of flexible plants and for ensuring a sustainable, secure energy supply,” Murisier said. He added that France is a strategic market for Alpiq, and Cheviré represents a key step in expanding its position as a provider of flexibility solutions in Europe.
This acquisition and Alpiq’s broader strategy reflect a growing trend in the energy sector: the increasing need for flexible assets to support the integration of renewable energy sources. As Europe continues to transition towards a greener energy mix, companies like Alpiq are positioning themselves to play a pivotal role in ensuring grid stability and security of supply. The development could spur further investment in battery storage and other flexible assets, shaping the future of Europe’s energy landscape.