National Grid, the UK's electric power transmission network, has connected the country's largest battery energy storage system (BESS) to its transmission network at Tilbury substation in Essex, according to a press release issued on Monday.
The 300-megawatt (MW) Thurrock Storage project, developed by Statera Energy, is now operational and providing flexible electricity supply to the network across London and the south east.
With a total capacity of 600 megawatt-hours, the facility can power up to 680,000 homes and balance supply and demand by absorbing surplus clean electricity and discharging it when required.
National Grid reinforced the Tilbury substation with new protection and control systems to manage the battery’s additional load.
- From coal to clean energy transition
The site previously served coal-fired Tilbury A and B power stations before their demolition, marking a symbolic transition from coal to clean energy.
"Battery storage plays a vital role in Britain's clean energy transition. Connecting Thurrock Storage, the UK's biggest battery, to our transmission network marks a significant step on that journey," said John Twomey, director of customer and network development at National Grid Electricity Transmission.
"Increasing BESS capacity is essential for supporting the grid when renewable generation, such as solar and wind, is low or changes quickly," said Statera Energy CEO and founder, Tom Vernon.
"It ensures that energy can be stored efficiently and returned to the grid whenever it's needed," Vernon added.
Work is continuing at Tilbury substation to connect the 450 MW Thurrock Flexible Generation facility, another Statera project designed to support regional energy demand.
The milestone follows the July energization of the 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent, the UK's largest solar plant, which National Grid connected to its Cleve Hill substation.
By Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
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