EDF Renewables UK today (August 20) announced that it will bring more than 300MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects online over the next twelve months.
Six projects are currently under construction and will be completed next year, with a total capacity of 313 MW. Projects include a 57MW project in Braintree, Essex, a 47.5MW project in Queens St Austell, India, and a 52MW battery in Sundon, Bedfordshire, which was energized in mid-July. Planning permission was granted last week for a 47.5MW project near Mannington, Dorset.
According to EDF Renewables, the combined 313 MW of battery storage capacity in their pipeline is enough to power more than 400,000 homes for two hours.
EDF Renewables already manages a portfolio of 150 MW of BESS projects operating in the UK. The company said it plans to deliver up to 2 GW of transmission-connected BESS projects in the coming years, with 400 MW of capacity already approved.
Simone Sullivan, head of storage at EDF Renewables UK said: “Our upcoming project pipeline will strengthen Britain’s capacity to integrate more renewable energy sources and make the network more flexible and resilient by managing electricity supply and demand.
Battery storage is crucial to increasing our energy security and meeting the new government’s 2030 targets. We have strong momentum behind our projects, allowing Britain to reap the benefits of cost-effective, clean renewable energy and a modern, flexible electricity grid.”
BESS capacity must be increased
Today’s announcement is welcome news for the UK’s net zero ambitions, as BESS projects will play a crucial role in a zero-carbon future. According to National Grid ESO, between 20 and 30 GW of additional BESS capacity is needed to meet the 2050 net zero targets set out in ESO’s Future Energy Scenarios.
The good news is that the installed BESS capacity is increasing sharply. Analysis from Solar Media Market Research shows that projects will see installed BESS capacity in Britain rise to 7.4 GW/11.6 GWh by the end of 2024, a substantial increase from the current operating capacity of 4.6 GW/5.9 GWh.
Key projects approved in recent weeks and months include Statera’s 400MW/2,400MWh BESS in Weymouth, a 200MW/400MWh project near Carlisle and a 49.9MW project near Montrose, Scotland.
Meanwhile, several projects are preparing to enter the planning process, including three proposals to be considered by the Scottish Highland Council and 40 projects proposed in the UK by Root-Power, a new player in energy storage.
Unfortunately, some developers face significant challenges when developing new BESS projects. Developer Sunnica is facing a potential legal battle with Suffolk County Council, which has written to the UK government expressing its anger at Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s decision to approve a 500 MW solar plus development to approve storage on the border of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
