A 35MW/70MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) near Richmond, North Yorkshire, has been energised, marking a step towards bringing additional flexibility to the UK electricity grid.
The Skeeby project began construction earlier this year and reached energisation after seven months. The standalone facility is located alongside the 55MW Skeeby Solar Farm and is now preparing to enter commercial operation.
The battery system will be able to store electricity and release it when required, helping balance supply and demand as the share of renewable generation increases.
The project features 10 battery units and associated electrical infrastructure, including medium-voltage transformers.
Skeeby is the first project to be energised by Harmony Energy since Swiss electricity producer Alpiq acquired a 90% stake in the company in July.
The investment brought around 400MW of battery storage projects under construction into Alpiq’s European portfolio.
The project is part of wider efforts to expand longer-duration energy storage capacity in the UK.
