[SMM PV Flash] ESMC Calls for Stronger EU Support for “Made in Europe” Solar Supply Chains

Times Digital Holdings’ subsidiary, through Concord New Energy’s O&M technology arm, has won the commissioning and operations and maintenance technical services contract for Saudi Arabia’s 1.2 GW Al Masa’a (MAS) solar PV project, per SMM understanding and public information. The project is Times Digital’s first market-oriented overseas benchmark project, marking the formal export of its new-energy technical service capabilities. MAS is located in Ha’il province, about 590 km north of Riyadh, and is a key independent power producer project under Round 5 of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program, developed by a consortium of EDF, SPIC Yellow River Hydropower and Saudi SAPCO. The project is scheduled to begin pre-energization commissioning on November 15 and achieve partial grid connection by the end of November; once fully operational, it is expected to generate 4.4 billion kWh annually. Times Digital’s domestic new-energy O&M service portfolio has exceeded 34 GW.

HELLENiQ Renewables, a subsidiary of the HELLENiQ ENERGY Group, announced on October 8 the completion and commissioning of its first large-scale battery energy storage system at its industrial complex in Thessaloniki, Greece. The project provides 100 MW of power and 200 MWh of energy storage capacity using lithium iron phosphate battery technology with liquid cooling, consisting of three battery stations capable of delivering electricity for two hours at rated output, with an investment of approximately EUR 50 million. A new 33/150 kV substation and an approximately five-kilometre underground high-voltage cable were constructed to connect the battery complex to Thessaloniki’s electricity infrastructure. The company said construction generated roughly 100 direct jobs. As installed solar PV capacity continues to expand in Greece, storage is becoming increasingly important to absorb excess generation during high-production periods and discharge when demand and prices are higher. HELLENiQ ENERGY also plans a second 50 MW / 200 MWh storage project in the Florina region with four hours of duration; together the two projects will provide the group with a combined 150 MW / 400 MWh of battery storage capacity.

Return announced that its Antares standalone battery energy storage facility in Waddinxveen, the Netherlands, has entered commercial operation ahead of schedule. The project is rated at 100 MW / 200 MWh and is connected directly to grid operator TenneT’s 150 kV high-voltage network. Return said construction, grid connection, testing and commissioning were all completed before the start of commercial operations, and credited partners including TenneT, battery integrator Alfen and engineering firm SPIE Nederland. The announcement did not disclose a precise commissioning date or details on dispatch or contracting arrangements. Antares adds to Return’s operational large-scale storage portfolio in the Netherlands, reflecting continued recognition of the value that standalone batteries provide in capacity and flexibility as European grids become increasingly constrained.