BW ESS inaugurates largest battery energy storage system in UK
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BW ESS has announced the energisation of its 100MW/331MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) near Bramley, Hampshire in the UK.
This landmark project, which BW ESS calls the largest of its kind to enter operation in the UK, marks a significant step forward for the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.
Yesterday, Andreas Sohmen-Pao, chairman of BW Group, inaugurated the project at a ceremony hosted by BW ESS which brought together key stakeholders from across the energy sector, including senior representatives from project partners, Sungrow and Shell Energy Europe Limited, as well as the Rt Hon Lord James Arbuthnot of Edrom, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Grid Networks.
As the first European project equipped with Sungrow’s advanced PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled technology, Bramley BESS is among the UK’s longest-duration and most versatile energy storage assets.
The system will play a critical role in balancing variable electricity demand and intermittent supply, enabling the integration of additional renewable energy into the grid. Bramley’s capacity is sufficient to meet the average daily electricity needs of 44,000 UK homes, helping reduce emissions, costs, and energy prices while enhancing system resilience.
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“This is a landmark moment for BW ESS’ UK roll-out, and a notable project in the context of the UK’s energy transition,” said Erik Strømsø, CEO of BW ESS. “Bramley is a state-of-the-art, pioneering project aligned with our mission to unlock the value of energy storage. I’m grateful that so many of our peers and partners were able to join us to mark the occasion.”
“We are proud to see the Bramley BESS reach commercial operation,” said Richard Thwaites, executive director and head of UK for BW ESS. “This reflects the dedication and expertise of the project team, as well as strong collaboration with local communities and authorities, whose engagement has been invaluable throughout the project’s development.”
In 2024, BW ESS signed a seven-year tolling agreement with Shell Energy Europe Limited for the Bramley BESS. This agreement represents a market-first for a single battery energy storage asset in Europe, pioneering a new revenue model for BESS projects.
“Shell Energy Europe is delighted to collaborate on this project, which sets a benchmark for innovative revenue models in the UK and European battery storage markets,” said Rupen Tanna, head of Power at Shell Energy Europe Limited.
“We are proud to partner with BW ESS on this groundbreaking project,” said Shawn Shi, president of Sungrow Europe.
“The Bramley BESS exemplifies our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions that not only support grid stability but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future. With the PowerTitan 2.0, we are setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and scalability, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the UK and beyond.”
