In the context of the energy transition, hybrid power plants combining photovoltaic generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming a key solution to the challenges of grid flexibility and optimization. Against this backdrop, COPA-DATA France and its partner JS Automation — renewed this year as a Gold Member — have collaborated on a major project with ZE Energy.
A benchmark hybrid power plant in France
Located in Vert in France’s Landes region, this hybrid solar and storage power plant combines 77 MW of photovoltaic capacity with 29.6 MWh of lithium-ion battery storage, generating around 90 GWh of renewable energy annually.
This model enables the plant to smooth out fluctuations in solar production, optimize energy feed-in to the grid, and maximize energy value through intelligent storage management.
zenon at the heart of hybrid power plant control
In this project, JS Automation deployed a complete energy SCADA solution based on zenon Energy Edition. This included developing the supervisory system, managing communications with field equipment, regulating active and reactive power and integrating the battery energy storage system (BESS) with the photovoltaic plant.
The challenge was to move from a conventional operating model to an intelligent hybrid power plant. The system had to make decisions in real time. It needed to determine when to produce energy, when to store it, and when to feed it back into the grid or the energy market.
JS Automation developed a zenon interface to control the ZE Energy hybrid power plant.
Reinforced expertise in energy storage
This project has enabled JS Automation to build advanced expertise in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Power Management Systems (PMS) and energy optimization strategies such as arbitrage and grid services.
"This project marks an important milestone for our teams. The integration of storage has enabled us to go a step further in terms of energy management, moving from a production logic to a global energy optimization logic," says Mr. Hanouna, Energy Technical Manager at JS Automation.
A shared vision with ZE Energy
The project is part of a shared vision of more flexible, controllable energy. Storage is no longer a solution of the future — it is now being deployed in France and Europe, resolving the problems of intermittency and grid flexibility.
"This hybrid model represents the future of decarbonized energy, with reliable, competitively priced production capable of supporting the large-scale energy transition. After two initial projects in the Loir-et-Cher region, this new power plant demonstrates ZE Energy's ability to deploy innovative energy solutions in France, promising a more resilient, green and competitive energy future," adds Mr. Lassagne, President at ZE Energy.
A Gold partnership rooted in reality
The renewal of JS Automation’s COPA-DATA Gold Partner status confirms its ability to deliver high-performance solutions for hybrid power plants, energy SCADA systems, and storage control with zenon. Through this project, COPA-DATA and its partner reinforce their commitment to supporting energy providers in moving toward more intelligent, flexible and sustainable systems.
JS Automation teams were mobilized for the ZE Energy hybrid power plant project.