The UK’s largest battery storage system to date, with a maximum power output of almost 50MW and a storage capacity of 75MWh, has begun operating at Thurcroft in South Yorkshire.
The facility is owned by Gresham House Energy Storage Fund and is being traded in wholesale and balancing services markets by Flexitricity. It has already entered the Balancing Mechanism and has also been providing National Grid Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) new Dynamic Containment frequency response.
“Investors are getting comfortable with the business case for energy storage and it’s great this year to be seeing a number of large batteries coming onto the system, providing more of the rapid response flexibility National Grid ESO needs to maintain system stability”, said Flexitricity director Andy Lowe.
“In today’s markets, maximising value for battery assets requires a huge amount of expertise and agility. We have a proven track record here, and we’re delighted that Gresham House has entrusted us to optimize a number of their sites, including the flagship Thurcroft battery.
“I’m glad to say we’re off to a great start and have been able to optimise revenue for the battery across a range of markets, including securing high prices in the first ever tender round of the newly launched Dynamic Containment service.”
Gresham House managing director Ben Guest said: “We have plans to grow our energy storage portfolio, aiming for over 350MW in operational assets by the end of 2020. Great Britain needs at least 10GW in the next few years to enable the orderly transition to a renewables-led electricity market.”