Ardian Expands Finnish Battery Storage Portfolio

Ardian, a leading global private investment firm, has announced its decision to proceed with constructing its second Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Finland. This move is part of Ardian's broader strategy to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure portfolio in the Nordic region, specifically through the Ardian Clean Energy Evergreen Fund (ACEEF). The new BESS will have a capacity of 30 MW/30 MWh and will bolster Ardian's clean energy initiatives. The Finnish battery storage project is strategically significant for Ardian, following its initial Finnish battery storage investment in February 2024, with operations expected to commence in Q2 2025. Developed by the Finnish company Merus Power plc, this BESS project is set to be operational by Q2 2026. It will integrate with Ardian’s proprietary data platform, OPTA, aimed at optimizing renewable energy management. This investment is critical amidst Finland's increasing reliance on weather-dependent renewable sources, mainly wind power, as it enhances grid stability and energy reliability. Ardian continues to solidify its Nordic presence with prior investments in companies like Nevel, which operates in industrial energy solutions, and Verne, focused on green data centers. Benjamin Kennedy, Ardian’s Managing Director of Infrastructure - Renewables, affirmed the firm's commitment to expand battery storage capacity in the Nordic region. Eero Auranne, CEO of eNordic, emphasized how this project adds crucial grid services and diversified revenue streams, complementing the ACEEF Nordic portfolio. Ardian, managing a vast portfolio of renewable assets globally, persists in its mission to advance the renewable energy sector, handling assets totaling over $177 billion. Their strategic investments reflect a commitment to sustainability, ethical standards, and social responsibility across various markets.