BESS Cerca - Co-located energy storage project
The Cerca Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project is an innovative hybrid energy solution that combines solar generation with battery storage, enhancing both the efficiency and flexibility of the power system.
With a storage capacity of 120 MWh, the system enables the storage of renewable energy and its dispatch when needed, helping to mitigate the intermittency of renewable generation and support a more stable electricity grid.
Integrated within the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the project reflects EDP’s strong commitment to the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the energy sector and in deploying advanced technological solutions that contribute to a more resilient and flexible energy system.
The programme aims to accelerate the deployment of energy storage in Portugal through the installation of at least 500 MW of energy storage systems connected to the Portuguese Public Electricity Grid (RESP), across both the Distribution Network (RND) and the Transmission Network (RNT).
To qualify for funding, storage systems must be co-located with a renewable energy generation facility. In addition, at least 75% of the energy stored annually must be supplied by the associated renewable generation asset, while the remaining up to 25% may be imported directly from the public electricity grid. The programme also limits the maximum charging power to 25% of the grid connection capacity.
With a total budget of approximately €99.75 million, the programme approved 43 projects across Portugal. Among the selected beneficiaries was EDPR, whose Cerca Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project was awarded a grant of approximately €5 million, supporting the integration of renewable energy and enhancing grid flexibility.
Located in the municipality of Alenquer, in the Lisbon district, it is co-located with the 202 MWp Cerca Solar PV Plant, sharing the same grid connection point.
The project has an installed capacity of 32 MW and a grid export capacity of 30 MW, providing 120 MWh of energy storage with a four-hour storage duration. The system is based on lithium-ion battery technology and has an expected operational lifetime of 20 years.
The BESS comprises seven transformer stations and occupies an area of approximately 0.86 hectares. It is a hybrid extension of the Cerca Solar Power Plant, which was connected to the grid in September 2023 and is interconnected with Portugal's national electricity transmission network through a 400 kV connection at the Ribatejo PCS substation, operated by REN.
CAPEX
16.3 M€
7.7 M€
2.2 M€
26.2 M€
