Return, the European leader in renewable energy storage services, continues to push the boundaries of clean energy innovation with Antares, a new 100 MW / 200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Waddinxveen. Antares is the second largest storage project in the Netherlands. Set to go live by mid 2026, the project will stabilize the Dutch grid, reduce congestion, and integrate renewables ensuring a more sustainable energy system. With its 200 MWh capacity, Antares can store enough energy to power approximately 50% of The Hague’s main streets, demonstrating its impact on grid flexibility and decarbonization. The project investment totals €85 million, and ING provides the majority of this sum.
To build this facility, Return has contracted Alfen and SPIE Nederland for technical execution and scope delivery. ING and Meewind and Nationaal Groenfonds are providing financing. Part of the capacity will be used by Return’s new customer, Vattenfall, which will integrate it into their existing portfolio. Designed for flexibility, the facility enables grid operators, energy traders, and renewable energy providers to optimize energy flows, reinforcing Return’s mission to make energy storage a cornerstone of Europe’s decarbonization efforts.
With Antares, Return, the leading European independent energy storage provider, continues to expand its energy storage footprint, combining market expertise with advanced technology and data-driven service optimization. Unlike traditional players, Return's systems deliver maximum value to grid operators, energy traders, and renewable providers. With a total project investment of €85 million for Antares, Return continues to expand its portfolio, reinforcing its role in building a more flexible, reliable, and sustainable energy system. Antares is Return’s fifth major energy storage installation, following last month’s announcement of Project Mufasa in Vlissingen.
As grid congestion continues to challenge the Dutch energy system, Antares will store excess renewable energy, deploying it when demand spikes to stabilize the grid. As the first active large-scale BESS location in the Netherlands directly connected to TenneT, it will play a pivotal role in enhancing grid flexibility. By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based solutions, the capacity will cut CO₂ emissions, accelerating the transition to a fully renewable energy system and supporting the Netherlands' climate goals.
“Energy storage is evolving into a foundational technology for a resilient energy system,” said Willem-Jan Schutte, CEO at Return. “With Antares, we’re demonstrating how smart, flexible storage can unlock the full potential of renewable energy while ensuring grid stability.”
"Battery storage projects such as Antares play an important role in stabilizing the Dutch electricity grid,” said Laurens de Vos, Head of Business Banking ING Netherlands. “They generate more room for the grid operator to create space on the grid to further electrify sustainable projects and companies. This project is an example of how ING Business Banking, by funding the energy system of the future, is helping entrepreneurs accelerate the energy transition."
With a strong track record and a BESS portfolio of 7 GW in development across Europe, Return is focused on bringing this capacity online within the next seven years. The company is on track to deliver at least 3 GW of energy storage by 2030, shaping the future of large-scale energy storage in Europe.
