Akuo has launched construction of a large-scale electricity storage facility in New Caledonia at Boulouparis in the South Province.
The company said the project will install more than 200MWh of storage capacity and will be capable of delivering 50MW for three hours per day over a 12-year contract period.
Akuo stated the facility is scheduled to come online in the third quarter of 2027 and will store electricity during the day for reinjection during evening peak demand.
Bruno Bensasson, chief executive officer at Akuo, said: “Akuo is delighted to have completed this project’s development and financing, within a sometimes-complex political context, and to now be in a position to initiate its construction.”
Bensasson added: “Its commissioning will help accelerate the production of green electricity to allow the mining industry’s transition to sustainable sources of energy.”
Akuo noted the project is supported by a public-private funding round involving financial institutions and local customary groups, with tax exemption mechanisms helping reduce network costs under the contract with Enercal.