Manoa Energy has confirmed the start of commercial operations for the Helios 50MW BESS in Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Japan.
The Helios battery energy storage system, rated at 50MW/104MWh, was delivered in partnership with Brawn and HD Renewable Energy Japan (HDJP) through Brawn’s wholly owned Japan-based development platform, Manoa Energy.
Construction of the Helios 50MW BESS commenced in April 2024. The installation utilises Tesla Megapack 2XL batteries, with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) overseen by Hokkaidenko Corporation. The system is designed as a 100% merchant BESS, participating in wholesale, balancing and capacity markets.
Scott Reinhart, CEO of Brawn, commented, “Successful completion of our first standalone Extra High Voltage BESS asset emphasises our commitment to sustainable infrastructure investment in Japan. Brawn will continue to develop our additional 1GW pipeline of extra high voltage and high voltage assets throughout Japan, for commercial operations between 2026 and 2030.”
Dean Cooper, head of Manoa Energy and COO of Brawn, added, “Japan’s energy storage sector is experiencing rapid acceleration, positioning Japan among the world’s most dynamic energy storage markets. Manoa Energy is excited to be part of Japan’s energy transition momentum, as the country emphasises battery energy storage systems as a strategic priority for its critical energy infrastructure.”
