Nala Renewables Moves Vuolijoki Battery Project in Finland into Construction

Nala Renewables has formally moved its Vuolijoki battery storage project from development into construction after issuing the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the 125MW/250MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Finland.

The announcement positions Nala Vuolijoki as one of the largest BESS projects in Finland to enter construction. The company describes the issuance of the NTP as another significant milestone in its growth within the Finnish renewable energy market.

Delivery chain spans contractors, supplier and lender

A group of partners spans the project's delivery chain. Nala Renewables serves as developer and owner of the asset. Despro acts as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor and provides local engineering support.

Destia Oy has been appointed as the Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor, while Sungrow is supplying the BESS technology. Rabobank is supplying the project's long-term finance. Gijs Hofman, Executive Director at Rabobank, said the bank is pleased to support Nala Renewables with the long-term financing of the project.

He noted that the transaction builds on Rabobank's relationship with Nala and its owner, IFM Investors, a key institutional client of the bank. According to Hofman, the project demonstrates the important role that large-scale energy storage can play in strengthening grid resilience and enabling the continued integration of renewable energy, and reflects Rabobank's commitment to supporting leading clients in delivering the infrastructure required for the energy transition.

Sungrow sees expanding role for storage in Finland

The technology supplier's involvement also carries weight given the evolving Finnish power system. Henry Nordman Särkisilta, Head of Sales Utility at Sungrow Finland, said that as Finland adds more renewable energy, large-scale storage will play an increasingly important role in creating a flexible and resilient power system. He added that Sungrow is pleased to support Nala Renewables with its energy storage technology and local expertise in Finland.

Verot points to lifecycle expertise across development and operations

Commenting on the milestone, Remy Verot, Interim CEO at Nala Renewables, said it highlights the strength of Nala's integrated business model and the company's ability to create value throughout the project lifecycle. According to Verot, by combining in-house expertise across development, financing, construction and operations with close partner collaboration, Nala is well positioned to navigate the evolving complexities of the energy transition and deliver high-quality projects that support both grid resilience and renewable energy growth in Finland and its other focus markets.

Companion assets lift Finnish pipeline to 275MW/550MWh

The commencement of construction at Vuolijoki arrives alongside other recent progress in Nala's Finnish portfolio. The company recently energised its Kauhava 50MW/100MWh BESS project and has newly acquired the Kärppiö 100MW/200MWh BESS project. Taken together with Nala Vuolijoki, these assets bring the company's pipeline in Finland to 275MW/550MWh.

About the Company

Nala Renewables is a global renewable energy company headquartered in London. It owns, develops, constructs and manages solar PV, onshore wind and energy storage assets across the full project life cycle. With a primary focus on Europe and Chile, the company continues to scale its portfolio through in-house development, strategic partnerships and selective acquisitions.