Alfen is working with Centrica Business Solutions to deliver the latter’s first battery storage project in mainland Europe.
The 24MW / 54 megawatt hour (MWh) facility in Ostend, Belgium, will become fully operational by early 2024.
Alfen will manage design, supply, civil works, installation, tests and long-term maintenance.
The project marks Centrica Business Solutions’ first battery development in Belgium, as well as outside of the UK.
Once operational, Centrica Energy Trading will employ a multimarket optimisation strategy to allow energy to be stored, then sold and deployed to the grid when supply outweighs demand or when there is a need for additional power on the grid.
“We’re excited to work with Centrica Business Solutions to bring its first battery storage project outside the UK to life with our TheBattery Elements system,” said chief commercial officer at Alfen Michelle Lesh.
“Battery storage technology has evolved significantly over the last decade, and we’re proud to support Centrica’s ambitions across mainland Europe, especially in Belgium where the market is growing quickly as it prioritises green energy to secure its long-term energy supply,” she added.
This project will participate in Belgium’s capacity market to ensure the country’s long-term supply of power as it prioritises green energy and a commitment to shut down five of its seven nuclear reactors by 2025.
“We set an ambitious target to deliver 900MW of flexible energy assets by 2026, and to make good on this promise we’re becoming more active in developing and acquiring flexible assets at home and abroad,” said director of Centrica Energy Assets Bill Rees.