Global systems integrator Fluence will supply batteries for a 150MW/300MWh battery storage project being developed by SSE Renewables at Fiddler’s Ferry, Warrington.

The 2-hour duration project will use Fluence’s Gridstack platform, the company’s modular battery energy storage system (BESS) solution, which is being used in multiple international storage developments such as an Australian 300MW grid-forming project, as covered by Energy-Storage.news.

SSE Renewables selected Fluence to supply the BESS, and contracted Stockport-based OCU Energy as principal contractor at Fiddler’s Ferry.

The battery storage project is situated at the former SSE-owned coal-fired power station at Fiddler’s Ferry. The power station was decommissioned in March 2020 and the final demolition of its cooling towers occurred at the end of last year.

Construction on the project will begin at the site in the coming weeks after SSE Renewables made a final investment decision in December 2023.

Brian Perusse, managing director of Fluence Energy UK, said: “Fluence is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy storage systems that advance the energy transition and we are proud to work with SSE Renewables on this highly significant project.

“Fluence has a track record of operating systems with high performance levels and we are committed to doing the same for Fiddler’s Ferry.”

Fluence supporting the development of Ireland’s ‘first’ 4-hour BESS

Fluence has been supporting the growing BESS pipeline across the British Isles and, in Ireland, is working with Norwegian state-owned firm Statkraft to deliver a 4-hour duration BESS in County Offaly.

The 20MW BESS, which is expected to be a “market first”, will be deployed at Statkraft’s 55.8MW Cushaling wind farm, which is already under construction. Fluence and Statkraft expect to finish construction by the end of 2024.

The BESS will be able to discharge 20MW for up to four hours, longer than the typical duration deployed in the Ireland market to-date, which has been between 30 minutes and two hours, Statkraft said.

It will support Ireland’s grid operator, Eirgrid, by providing renewable load shifting and ancillary services to help maintain grid stability.