Dutch pension fund manager APG, acting on behalf of its client ABP, has invested €300 million (US$350 million) in Amsterdam-based energy storage developer Return, providing a major boost to the company’s mission to scale its battery energy storage network across Europe. The investment marks one of Europe’s largest institutional commitments to grid-scale storage, underscoring the sector’s growing importance in supporting renewable energy integration and grid reliability.

Building the Backbone of Europe’s Renewable Power System

Energy storage systems are increasingly recognized as essential infrastructure for the clean energy transition, bridging the gap between intermittent generation from solar and wind and the constant demand for electricity. By storing surplus renewable energy and releasing it when production dips, grid-scale batteries play a vital role in balancing grids, preventing energy waste, and mitigating congestion challenges that are expanding rapidly with the rise of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and AI data centers. Founded in Amsterdam, Return develops, owns, and operates large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) that connect power markets across borders. Its proprietary technology provides real-time insights into grid capacity and power flow, ensuring energy is distributed where it is most needed. Unlike energy traders, Return leases battery capacity to energy companies and utilities, offering a stable infrastructure-as-a-service model rather than engaging in trading itself.

“Partnering with APG marks an important step toward a more connected and resilient European energy system,” said Willem-Jan Schutte, Founder and CEO of Return. “Together, we can turn today’s fragmented energy landscape into one that truly works for customers, communities, and the climate.”

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From 70 MW to 5 GW: Scaling a Continental Storage Network

Return already operates 70 megawatts (MW) of storage capacity in the Netherlands, with an additional 450 MW under construction across Europe, including Germany, Belgium, and Spain. The company plans to use APG’s investment to convert its extensive project pipeline into operational assets, targeting a 5 gigawatt (GW) pan-European storage portfolio by 2030. Among its flagship developments is the Netherlands’ largest battery project, a 350 MW installation that will serve as a cornerstone of the country’s flexible power network. Return is also pioneering a “virtual battery” model, allowing energy companies to access distributed storage capacity from multiple sites through a single digital platform effectively creating a shared network of batteries across borders.

APG’s Strategic Bet on Energy Transition Infrastructure

APG’s investment reflects a broader institutional push toward decarbonization and infrastructure resilience. The Dutch pension fund, which manages more than €550 billion in assets, has increasingly allocated capital to renewable energy, low-carbon transport, and grid modernization projects in line with its clients’ sustainability mandates.

“Grid-scale battery storage is key to reliably integrate renewables and to ease grid congestion,” said Bart Saenen, Senior Investment Director at APG. “Return’s integrated platform, long-term vision on relationships, and de-risked development pipeline make it a strong partner for building grid resilience across Europe.”

The partnership with Return also supports APG’s strategy of investing in critical transition assets that combine financial returns with measurable climate impact. By focusing on large-scale infrastructure, the fund aims to accelerate decarbonization while delivering stable, long-term yields for pension beneficiaries.

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Accelerating Europe’s Grid Resilience and Clean Power Goals

Europe’s renewable power capacity has surged over the past decade, but limited storage and grid congestion remain critical bottlenecks. According to the European Commission, the continent must increase battery storage capacity tenfold by 2030 to meet renewable integration targets and stabilize power supply. Return’s expansion backed by institutional capital from APG directly supports these objectives by adding flexible, dispatchable capacity to national grids. By connecting its storage projects across multiple countries, the company aims to create a cross-border “energy buffer” capable of smoothing supply volatility and enabling a truly integrated European energy market. As APG and Return move ahead, the partnership signals growing investor confidence in the commercial maturity of battery storage and its central role in Europe’s energy transition. For both organizations, it’s not only a financial opportunity but also a long-term commitment to building a cleaner, more reliable, and interconnected energy future.

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