Storage developer Arenko has selected GE to build a 41MW battery storage system in the Midlands as part of a new “strategic alliance” between the two companies.
The facility will be one of the largest anywhere in the world behind Tesla’s well-publicised 100MW installation in Australia and Centrica’s 49MW project currently under construction in Cumbria.
The batteries, which will be sited in a “key strategic location” and begin running in 2018, will be used to help integrate renewables into the energy system and support the operation of the power grid.
The facility will be built and maintained by GE and operated by Arenko using its proprietary energy trading software platform.
GE Power global commercial and marketing executive for energy storage Mirko Molinari commented: “Energy storage will help balance supply and demand close to real time, avoiding frequency drifts and supporting the mid-term response to grid imbalances.
“The flexibility it offers smooths the fluctuating nature of renewable energy, provides quick reserves when needed, stores excess energy generation and much more.”
“Arenko are pioneers in the commercialisation of energy storage systems,” he added. “This collaboration cements two years of working together towards the shared vision of creating a battery storage solution which addresses the ever-changing needs of a modern energy system.”
Arenko Group chief executive Rupert Newland said: “Arenko’s new battery system will provide much needed flexibility to the UK grid, reducing waste and helping to make energy bills cheaper for households and businesses.
He continued: “This is a demonstration of Arenko’s strategy to partner with top-tier corporates to make a major, positive and sustainable impact on the energy sector.”
Last week Centrica secured a capacity market agreement in the latest year-ahead (T-1) auction for the 49MW battery storage facility it is building on the site of the former Roosecote gas-fired power station.