Orsted has taken the final investment decision on a 300MW battery energy storage system that will be installed on the same site as the onshore converter station for its Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm in Norfolk, England.
The battery’s location is on the same land as the onshore converter station minimises disruption to those living and working nearby, the developer said.
The storage system has a capacity of 600MWh equivalent to the daily energy use of 80,000 UK homes.
When it is windy and sunny, so that electricity generation exceeds demand, the battery will store the excess so it can be discharged later to help balance the grid.
This will reduce price volatility for consumers as it will make more power available, including during peak periods, when energy is traditionally more expensive.
It will also result in UK energy systems being easier to manage by helping smooth out the variations between supply and demand.
With the battery energy storage system, Orsted is investing in a grid-balancing technology which is a natural add-on to its offshore wind power generation business and will provide complementary services and revenue profile while supporting the continued build-out of the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Its favourable position within the UK electricity system, and co-location for efficient construction and operations, supports the investment case, Orsted said.
When complete, the battery energy storage system will be one of the largest in Europe, it added.
It is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Duncan Clark, head of UK & Ireland at Orsted, said: “Our 12 operational UK offshore wind farms are providing a huge amount of clean energy to the grid.
“The battery will help ensure that renewable energy is used in the best possible way by storing it when demand is lower and then releasing it back into the system when it’s really needed, thereby maximising the potential of renewable energy whilst providing increased energy security and value to consumers.
“With this investment, we’re adding significantly to Orsted’s growing portfolio of storage solutions co-located with onshore and offshore renewable assets.”
Mike Snyder, senior director of megapack at Tesla, added: “Tesla is excited to be part of this industry-leading project with an exceptional partner.
“This project demonstrates the value and flexibility of Tesla’s best-in-class power electronics, providing enhanced grid stability and enabling more renewables on the grid.”
Orsted currently has a total of 660MW (1,850MWh) storage projects in operation or under construction in the UK and US including the project announced today.
In addition, Orsted is developing a storage opportunity pipeline of +2 GW across the UK, Ireland, and the US.