French renewable energy company Neoen has announced the development of the Ako Battery project, marking its first large-scale battery investment in Japan. The announcement was made during the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron at the French-Japanese Business Forum held in Tokyo, highlighting growing energy cooperation between the two countries.
The Ako Battery project will be developed in the Kansai region’s Hyogo Prefecture and is planned with a capacity of 100 MW / 400 MWh. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the largest battery energy storage systems in Japan and support the country’s renewable energy transition.
Neoen is developing the project in partnership with French infrastructure company Equans and Japanese firm Toho. The company has already secured a grid connection agreement with Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) in January 2026, which represents a major milestone for the project’s progress.
The four-hour duration battery system is expected to strengthen Japan’s electricity grid by improving stability and resilience, especially as renewable energy adoption increases. Construction is expected to begin soon, while commercial operations are targeted for 2028.
With this project, Neoen aims to establish a strong presence in Japan’s growing battery storage sector. The company already operates across 15 countries and manages a global battery storage portfolio of about 2.8 GW / 8.1 GWh either in operation or under construction.
Neoen’s leadership stated that the Ako Battery project represents an important step in its Asia-Pacific expansion strategy and reflects its long-term commitment to supporting energy security and clean energy development in Japan. The company also plans to continue expanding its renewable and storage project pipeline in the region.
