EDP Renewables (EDPR) will install its first stand-alone European battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the UK.
The project will contribute approximately 50MW of capacity to the power grid and will provide 2 hours of storage capacity.
This first storage system developed by EDPR will be located in Kent, England, and has been acquired from Tupa Energy, a British company specializing in utility-scale battery storage.
This project is expected to become operational by the end of 2024.
The asset will play a crucial role in grid management, offering flexibility and supporting the government’s strategy for renewable energy in the UK, EDPR said.
EDPR chief executive Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, said: “The integration of storage systems will play a crucial role in the renewable energy mix of the future, as it will contribute to address the challenge of intermittency.
“By mitigating the impact of external factors that can affect availability, these systems are key in overcoming one of the main limitations faced by renewables across Europe, while producing no emissions.”
EDPR said it places a high priority on energy storage as part of its long-term strategy.
The company anticipates significant growth in this technology, particularly through various initiatives planned in the UK.
The UK stands out as the most advanced market in Europe for the development of battery storage assets, leveraging a comprehensive regulatory framework, EDPR said.
This includes a Capacity Market that provides a fixed floor with a 15-year tenor.
Currently, the country already has 2.2GW of battery projects connected to the grid, with an additional 2GW under construction.