EDF Renewables UK has today (20 August) announced that it will bring over 300MW of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects online over the next 12 months.
Six projects are currently in construction and scheduled for completion in the next year, with a total capacity of 313MW. Projects include a 57MW project in Braintree, Essex, a 47.5MW project in Indian Queens St Austell, and a 52MW battery in Sundon, Bedfordshire that was energised in mid-July. Last week, planning permission was granted for a 47.5MW project near Mannington, Dorset.
According to EDF Renewables, the combined 313MW of battery storage capacity in their pipeline is enough to power over 400,000 houses for two hours.
EDF Renewables already manages a portfolio of 150MW of BESS projects in operation across the UK. The company states that it plans to deliver up to 2GW of transmission-connected BESS projects in the coming years, with 400MW of capacity already consented.
Simone Sullivan, head of storage at EDF Renewables UK said: “Our upcoming project pipeline will strengthen the UK’s capacity to integrate more renewables and will allow the grid to be more flexible and resilient by managing electricity supply and demand.
Battery storage is critical to enhancing our energy security and to achieving the new government’s 2030 targets. We have a strong momentum behind our projects, helping the UK to reap the benefits of cost-effective, clean renewable energy and a modern, flexible grid.”
BESS capacity needs to increase
Today’s announcement is welcome news for the UK’s net zero ambitions, as BESS projects will play a crucial role in a decarbonised future. According to National Grid ESO, between 20-30GW of additional BESS capacity is required to meet 2050 net zero goals outlined in ESO’s Future Energy Scenarios.
The good news is that installed BESS capacity is very much on the rise. Analysis from Solar Media Market Research showed projects that installed BESS capacity in the UK will rise to 7.4GW/11.6GWh by the end of 2024, a substantial increase from the current operational capacity of 4.6GW/5.9GWh.
Significant projects that have been 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 set to be considered by Scotland’s Highland Council and 40 projects being proposed across the UK by Root-Power, a new player in the energy storage space.
Unfortunately, some developers are facing significant challenges with developing new BESS projects. Developer Sunnica is facing a potential legal battle with Suffolk County Council, which has written to the UK Government expressing anger at Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s decision to approve a 500MW solar plus storage development on the border of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
