Return, Europe’s leading independent energy storage provider, has announced the next phase of project Mufasa—one of the largest battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Europe—developed under its Lion Storage brand. Set to go live in 2027, the project will be based in Vlissingen in the North Sea Port, a key hub for renewable energy in the Netherlands. Its grid connection in Borssele repurposes the site of a former coal-fired power plant. This landmark initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening Europe’s energy infrastructure and supporting the transition to renewable power.
Project Mufasa will feature Megapack 2 XL, Tesla’s utility scale energy storage system. The batteries will be able to charge and discharge 1,400 MWh at 350 MW power capacity, several times per day: sufficient to power well over 200,000 households. As the largest BESS in the Netherlands and one of the largest energy storage projects in Europe, it sets a new standard for balancing and securing power grids.
Project Mufasa is the largest utility-scale battery storage project in the Netherlands to be fully funded through 100% project financing of over EUR 350 million. The project is being backed by Macquarie Capital as lead equity investor alongside listed infrastructure investor TINC and existing Return investors as well as six banks, and marks a major milestone. Uniquely, Mufasa will rely solely on revenues from the various Dutch power markets and the skills and expertise of the project’s leadership team.
To deliver top-tier performance, Project Mufasa combines advanced battery technology with a comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreement with Tesla. This ensures the project operates efficiently, reliably, and integrates seamlessly into the Dutch energy grid. The project has partnered with Dutch energy company Eneco. Being the market leader in operating batteries and other flexibility sources and having pioneered revenue index models, Eneco will bring their front runner expertise to optimize Mufasa operations on a day-to-day basis.
"Project Mufasa is a game-changer for battery storage in the Netherlands. As the first of its kind to secure full project financing, it proves that energy storage is not just viable—it's investable," says Arno Hendriks, co-founder of Lion Storage. "With cutting-edge technology and strong strategic partnerships, we're driving a smarter, more resilient energy future and setting the bar for what's next in Europe," says Jeroen Althoff, co-founder of Lion Storage.
Return continues to lead the way in Europe’s energy transition, driving large-scale storage solutions that enhance grid stability, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support net-zero targets. Project Mufasa exemplifies this commitment, reinforcing Return’s position as the driving force behind the future of clean energy.
“At Return, we’re not just building energy storage—we’re shaping the backbone of a cleaner, more resilient power system for Europe.” said Willem-Jan Schutte, CEO of Return. “The demand for reliable, large-scale storage has never been greater, and we’re ready to deliver. For those looking to be part of the energy transition—whether as partners, customers, or investors—Return is where innovation meets impact.”