Faria Renewables, Huawei setting up battery partnership in Greece

Huawei and Faria Renewables agreed to establish a strategic partnership for projects and operation of battery energy storage systems. They said the Chinese company would supply technological solutions including for photovoltaics and provide technical support for the execution and operation of projects with 1 GWh in total capacity.

A new memorandum of understanding underscored the shared commitment of Huawei and Faria Renewables to accelerating the energy transition and driving sustainability in the renewable energy sector, according to a press statement. They said they would set up a strategic partnership for project development and the operation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Greece.

“Huawei will supply Faria Renewables with innovative and reliable PV & BESS solutions while providing comprehensive technical support for the execution and operation of up to 1 GWh projects in the following years. The two companies recently signed a contract for Faria Renewables’ first BESS project in Greece. This is a pioneering project with a nominal power of 49.9 MW and a storage capacity of 100 MWh, which is expected to be put into operation within 2025,” the update reads.

The project was among the winners at Greece’s second auction for standalone batteries. The delivery of the equipment is expected in the summer, the companies revealed.

“I am excited to announce our cooperation with Huawei, one of the world’s leading companies in energy storage. We are confident that we will leverage the capabilities and experience of both companies, working together towards a sustainable future,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Faria Renewables Thalia Valkouma.

Huawei supporting grid forming technology

In the battery partnership announcement, the two firms highlighted the significance of energy storage for grid reliability and flexibility.

“The signing of the memorandum of understanding between our companies confirms our commitment to developing sustainable energy solutions and creating added value for society and the environment,” Huawei’s CEO for South-East Europe Ren Fujun stated.

The Chinese company added it is developing solutions for energy storage systems specifically designed for high-voltage grid applications, supporting grid forming technology. It is inverter-based voltage and frequency support to the network from photovoltaics, wind parks and batteries.

Faria Renewables seeks opportunities for expansion to other markets

Faria Renewables is a joint venture between Faria Group and Capenergie 5, Omnes Capital’s fifth-generation renewable energy fund.

The company is developing a 3.5 GW project portfolio across Greece, including renewables in different stages of maturity. Faria Renewables said it is exploring opportunities to enter new markets.

As a panelist at the Belgrade Energy Forum 2024 (BEF 2024), Valkouma said the focus in the energy sector should be on the diversification of storage systems so that different technologies cover all uses. “We believe that storage is one of the next big things in the energy sector,” she stressed.