360MW battery facility planned for the UK

A 360MW battery energy storage system planned for construction at Wilton International on Teesside is expected to help the UK expand its portfolio of flexible electricity, required to ensure grid resiliency and to achieve net-zero targets.

Sembcorp has announced its plan to develop the battery system to expand its portfolio, as well as to enable more renewable energy capacity to be integrated into the UK grid network for security and decarbonisation.

Andy Koss, CEO of UK & Middle East, Sembcorp Industries, said, “Now, more than ever, flexible energy sources play an increasingly important role in maintaining secure and reliable energy supplies. With a growing reliance on renewables, the UK energy system needs to be flexible and able to respond quickly to changes. Additionally, the location of 360MW of batteries at Wilton International strengthens Teesside’s green regeneration and position as a hub of low-carbon innovation in the North East.”

Today, Sembcorp Energy has 70MW of batteries in operation and 50MW in the pipeline that is expected to be online in 2022.

The 360MW project will be Europe’s largest battery energy storage system, according to Sembcorp.

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The system will provide various services including frequency reserves, voltage regulation and demand response to the national grid, and will respond in milliseconds to deliver the services in line with changing needs on the grid, according to the statement.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, added: “This is fantastic news that further cements our region’s reputation as ground zero for net-zero. This investment will add 70 cleaner, healthier and safer jobs to the thousands we are already delivering across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool as we develop the critical technologies that are needed to make the UK net-zero by 2050.

“Since the Industrial Revolution the ingenuity of Teessiders has spearheaded the development of new technologies. With this announcement, which will see the creation of Europe’s largest battery on the Wilton site, the message is clear: if you want to pioneer low-carbon innovation then come to Teesside.”