First commercially reactive power battery goes live in UK

Battery storage and EV fleet specialist Zenobē’s 100MW battery in Capenhurst, Chester is now live, delivering what the firm claims to be the first commercial reactive power service of its kind internationally.

The battery, touted by Zenobē as the largest directly connected to the transmission network in Europe, connects at 275,000 volts.

Sited in the Mersey region in the UK, the battery will support the development of renewables and help manage network capacity to increase existing Scottish wind flows into the region.

By reducing reliance on local gas plants to provide reactive power services, the delivery of the project represents a significant milestone in the UK’s path to net zero; as it will accelerate the uptake of renewable power, lower the risk of blackouts and reduce energy bills.

Capenhurst battery

The Capenhurst battery was commissioned in direct response to a National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) Pathfinder which sought to find a cost-effective solution to the high-voltage issues seen in the Mersey region.

To keep voltage levels on the transmission network at safe limits, it is necessary to find methods to absorb or inject reactive power.

Traditionally, these services have been provided by fossil fuel generators, but as we transition to a world where energy comes from zero carbon sources and access to fossil fuel power stations is reduced, new sources of reactive power need to be found.

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Up until now, reactive power services in Merseyside have been provided by local fossil fuel power stations like Fiddler’s Ferry which closed a few years ago.

With Capenhurst coming online, it will hopefully lower the region’s reliance on gas imports to secure the grid. This creates greater energy security and lowers the risk of blackouts for a more efficient electricity grid.

The battery will also ease network constraints by importing electricity at times of peak renewable generation.

James Basden, co-founder and director of Zenobē, said on the battery going live: “With Capenhurst, we’re solving a key issue on the grid in the Merseyside region whilst significantly enhancing the nation’s use of renewable power. This pioneering project enables us to deliver vital grid services without the need for fossil fuels, supporting cities like Liverpool with their zero carbon targets.”

The project is forecast to save 1,004,040 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere over the next 15 years.

Over the first 15 years, the battery is expected to save £58 million ($69.8 million) on curtailment costs that would have previously been passed on to consumers.