Ameresco and Envision Energy to develop 624MWh BESS in UK

Clean tech integrator Ameresco and green tech company Envision Energy have been chosen by Atlantic Green to build the Cellarhead project, a 300MW battery energy storage project (BESS) with a maximum energy capacity of 624MWh in the UK.

The Cellarhead project will be connected to National Grid’s Cellarhead substation.

Construction is anticipated to commence on site this year with connection to the electricity grid anticipated at the end of 2026.

With a maximum energy capacity of 624MWh, the Cellarhead BESS project will support the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero, increase penetration of clean energy generation, decrease reliance on fossil fuelled generation and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

As part of the project, Ameresco entered into an EPC and O&M contract including battery supply, balance of plant, warranty and availability guarantees.

The EPC full wrap price is £196.5 million ($249 million). Tier one OEM Envision Energy will provide the BESS and associated services, as well as the equipment warranties.

Ameresco and Atlantic Green expect to finish the BESS and secure grid connection by the middle of 2026. Following completion, Atlantic Green will own and operate the BESS as an energy storage asset.

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“We believe that a continuous development of battery energy storage is a vital step in the UK’s journey to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, and we are excited to team up with Ameresco to bring this vision to life,” said Nick Bradford, managing director of Atlantic Green, in a release.

“Since our founding, Atlantic Green has consistently prioritized finding strategic ways to leverage our battery storage assets with the wider community and we are eager to answer the rising demand for battery storage with this new project with such a level of energy capacity, to really make the impact on the UK electricity system that is much needed.”

“This project exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of battery storage technology, a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems,” added Kane Xu, global VP of Envision Energy.

“Partnering with Atlantic Green and Ameresco allows us to demonstrate the pivotal role that advanced battery solutions play in enhancing energy security and enabling a seamless transition to renewable energy sources. We are proud to contribute our cutting-edge technology to this landmark UK initiative.”

Atlantic Green was established in 2021, as a joint venture between two entrepreneurial shareholders Nofar Energy, and Interland Group, as a UK-based platform to invest, develop and operate grid-scale standalone battery energy storage systems across the UK.

The company aims to develop approximately 2GW capacity of battery energy storage to fuel the UK’s clean energy transition, touting the Cellarhead BESS as a key milestone within their plans.