Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, is collaborating with Harmony Energy on a battery storage project in Dorset, England.
The 15 megawatt-hour Holes Bay project will be comprised of lithium-ion batteries connected to the Southern Electric Power distribution network.
Construction will start in January 2020, with commissioning expected within three months.
Harmony Energy, with the backing of FRV, has also conditionally pre-qualified 300MW of new battery energy storage systems in the UK capacity market.
FRV managing director of engineering and asset management Felipe Hernandez said: “The Holes Bay project will be the first in a strategic energy storage pipeline to be launched both globally and within the UK.
“We are pleased to join efforts together with Harmony Energy, demonstrating the economic and technical feasibility of the battery energy storage system.”
Harmony Energy chief executive Peter Kavanagh said: “This is a hugely significant project for Harmony, because it is the first in a large pipeline of utility-scale battery storage plants in the UK, and we’re looking forward to working with FRV to bring Holes Bay forward in the new year.
“Wind and solar projects remain key but battery storage is the missing link in the UK’s renewable energy strategy, both in terms of controlling grid frequency and providing backup during periods of peak demand and supply.
“We have over 500MW of battery energy storage assets construction-ready and with the backing of FRV, we have also pre-qualified 300MW of new battery energy storage systems into the UK’s capacity market.
“It’s a critical time for battery energy storage in the UK and we are pleased to be at the forefront of development.”
Abdul Latif Jameel International deputy president and vice chairman Fady Jameel said: “Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, through our pioneering renewables operation FRV, continues to advance a sustainable energy future through innovation and strategic partnerships, progressing the economic viability of renewables and eventually arresting the impacts of climate change.
“We are proud to partner with Harmony Energy and be part of the ground-breaking development of the UK’s strategic sustainable energy programme.”