Onshore renewables and battery storage

Onshore renewables, such as solar and onshore wind, play a pivotal role in the energy transition. They address and contribute to solving the energy trilemma, balancing energy security, affordability and decarbonisation.

Solar and onshore wind are the lowest-cost generation technologies which can be rapidly deployed. They currently dominate renewable installed capacity and are poised for further strong growth. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), by 2050 solar and onshore wind are expected to represent respectively 28% and 27% of the total global power generation capacity.

As the share of renewables in the energy mix increases, battery energy storage systems (BESS) will be crucial, helping to mitigate the intermittent nature of renewable power. These systems store excess power generated, releasing it when the electricity grid needs it most. This improves supply security and protects the electricity system from price extremes. BESS also provides services that enhance grid resilience, allowing for more renewable energy sources to be integrated.

Serra da Babilônia 1 onshore wind complex, Brazil

Photo: Rio Energy

Our approach

Onshore renewables, together with offshore wind, represent two complementary pillars in Equinor’s renewables strategy. Onshore projects have shorter project cycles and are less capital intensive, making them easily scalable and capable of generating accelerated cash flow. Additionally, onshore projects can provide value uplift from taking merchant risks and trading.

Equinor’s strategy for onshore renewables is market driven, and we focus our activities on select markets in Europe and the Americas.

The onshore renewables business demands local knowledge and agility. To address these needs, we have developed a distinct business model based on acquiring local renewables companies in our select markets and transforming them into multi-tech power producers, supported by Equinor’s ownership and Danske Commodities trading capabilities.

Since 2021, Equinor has acquired several local companies, such as Wento in Poland, BeGreen in Northern Europe, East Point Energy in the US, and Rio Energy in Brazil.

The acquisitions allowed us to build a substantial project pipeline in select power markets, and welcomed around 400 new colleagues with renewable energy expertise and local knowledge, who develop and operate onshore renewable projects for Equinor.

Sunset Ridge battery storage facility, USA.

Photo: East Point Energy

Our portfolio

We are developing a diverse, multi-technology portfolio that includes solar, onshore wind and battery storage.

Currently, we have over 1 GW of equity capacity for projects that are either in production or under construction.

Brazil

The Apodi solar complex (162 MW) in the Ceara state and the Mendubim complex of solar plants (531 MW) in the Rio Grande do Norte state are in commercial operation. The assets are operated by Scatec, and Equinor’s share is respectively 43.5% and 30%.

The Serra da Babilônia 1 onshore wind complex (223 MW) in the state of Bahia is in commercial operation. The Serra da Babilônia solar complex (140 MW) is under construction in the same area, with commercial operations expected by the end of 2025. The assets are fully owned by Equinor and operated by Equinor’s subsidiary Rio Energy.

Poland

Three solar plants and one onshore wind farm with a total capacity of ~200 MW are in commercial operation: the Stępień solar plant (58 MW), the Zagórzyca solar plant (60 MW), the Lipno solar plant (53 MW) and the Wilko onshore wind farm (26 MW).

The assets are fully owned by Equinor and operated by Equinor’s subsidiary Wento.

Northern Europe

The Ingerslev Å solar plant (65 MW) is under construction in Jutland in Denmark. Production is expected to start in the first half of 2025. The asset is fully owned by Equinor and operated by Equinor’s subsidiary BeGreen.

UK

The Blandford Road battery storage asset (25 MW/ 50 MWh) is in operation in Dorset.

The Welkin Mill battery storage asset (35 MW/70 MWh) is under construction in the Greater Manchester area in England. Welkin Mill is expected to be operational in early 2025.

Both assets are fully owned by Equinor and were developed by Noriker Power.

US

The Sunset Ridge Energy Center (10 MW/20 MWh) in Frio County, Texas is under construction. The commercial operation date for Sunset Ridge is expected in spring 2025.

The Citrus Flatts battery storage project (100 MW/200 MWh) in Cameron County, Texas is under execution. The project is expected to reach commercial operations in 2026.

The NOVEC projects (80 MW/160 MWh) in Northern Virginia are under execution and are expected to start commercial operations in 2026.

The projects are fully owned by Equinor and operated by Equinor’s subsidiary East Point Energy.