e-STORAGE to Deliver 420 MWh Battery Energy Storage System for Drax in the United Kingdom
Rhea-AI Summary
Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ) said e-STORAGE will deliver a total of 420 MWh AC of battery energy storage systems to Drax across two UK projects: 60 MW / 120 MWh AC at Marfleet and 150 MW / 300 MWh AC at Neilston.
Installations start in Q3 2026 (Marfleet) and early 2027 (Neilston); supply includes SolBank 3.0 batteries and a long-term service agreement for operations, monitoring, maintenance, and performance analytics.
Positive
- 420 MWh AC total battery capacity contracted
- 60 MW / 120 MWh AC Marfleet and 150 MW / 300 MWh AC Neilston projects
- Supply plus long-term service agreement covering monitoring, maintenance, and analytics
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
CSIQ fell 3.49% alongside key solar peers: JKS -4.63%, SEDG -9.79%, SHLS -6.99%, TOYO -5.6%, ENPH -6.97%, pointing to sector-wide pressure rather than stock-specific trading.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19 | Earnings results | Negative | -26.9% | Weak Q4 2025 results and net loss drove a sharp share price decline. |
| Mar 17 | Storage contract win | Positive | +1.9% | Large 500 MW / 2,493 MWh U.S. storage deal supported modest share gains. |
| Feb 24 | Asset sale | Positive | +3.2% | Sale of 200 MWh Fort Duncan storage project with revenue in Q1 2026. |
| Feb 19 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | +0.1% | Scheduling of Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings conference call. |
| Feb 11 | New storage project | Positive | -4.6% | First grid‑connected Japan storage system announcement saw shares trade lower. |
Recent news shows mostly aligned price reactions: earnings and major storage deals tend to move the stock in the same direction as the news tone, with one notable divergence on a positive Japan storage milestone.
Over the last few months, Canadian Solar has pivoted harder toward energy storage while navigating weaker profitability. Q4 2025 revenue was $1.2 billion with a GAAP net loss of $86 million, driving a -26.94% reaction to earnings on Mar 19, 2026. In parallel, e‑STORAGE has announced multiple utility‑scale projects, including a 500 MW / 2,493 MWh U.S. system and a Japan grid‑connected system, which generally produced modest positive or mixed reactions. Today’s UK contracts extend that storage growth narrative.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement strengthens Canadian Solar’s e‑STORAGE footprint with a 420 MWh battery energy storage award for Drax across two UK projects. It follows other utility‑scale storage wins and supports the company’s shift toward higher‑value energy storage solutions. Investors may compare this deal with prior announcements, such as the 500 MW / 2,493 MWh U.S. project, while monitoring how growing backlog translates into revenue, margins, and improved net income over coming quarters.
Key Terms
battery energy storage system technical
long-term service agreement financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
The projects include a 60 MW / 120 MWh AC installation in Marfleet,
Under the agreements, e-STORAGE will supply a fully integrated and commissioned battery energy storage system, including its SolBank 3.0 energy storage batteries. e-STORAGE will also provide operational services for the project under a long-term service agreement (LTSA) covering monitoring, preventative maintenance, and performance analytics.
The combined system supply and long-term service support are designed to ensure consistent operational availability across the lifecycle of the asset. When operational, the systems will enhance grid flexibility in the region and support the integration of additional renewable generation into the
Lee Dawes, Chief Operations Officer of Drax Group, said, "We are looking forward to working with e-STORAGE and Apatura on the development of these battery storage assets. This is our first investment in short-duration storage, and these assets will complement our existing generation portfolio. As the
Giles Hanglin, Chief Executive Officer of Apatura, stated, "Marfleet and Neilston represent important milestones in building the flexible, resilient energy infrastructure the
Colin Parkin, President of Canadian Solar and President of e-STORAGE, added, "This collaboration with Drax and Apatura reflects our shared commitment to advancing a more flexible and resilient energy system in the
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in
About e-STORAGE
e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and integrating battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. e-STORAGE offers proprietary battery energy storage solutions, comprehensive EPC services, and innovative solutions aimed at improving grid operations. Currently, e-STORAGE operates fully automated, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with an annual battery energy storage system capacity of 15 GWh and battery cell capacity of 3 GWh, on a single-shift and double-shift annualized basis, respectively. For more info, please refer to the Media&PR section of www.csestorage.com and follow our LinkedIn page.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "future", "ongoing", "continue", "intend", "plan", "potential", "prospect", "guidance", "believe", "estimate", "is/are likely to" or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 30, 2025. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contact
Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
investor@canadiansolar.com
e-STORAGE MEDIA CONTACT
media@csestorage.com
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SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.
FAQ
What capacity will Canadian Solar (CSIQ) deliver to Drax in the UK?
When will the CSIQ-built Marfleet and Neilston battery installations begin?
What technology and services is e-STORAGE supplying for the Drax projects (CSIQ)?
How will the CSIQ projects support the UK grid and Drax operations?
Who developed the Marfleet and Neilston projects now owned by Drax (CSIQ)?