EDF Joins Downing on 50MW UK Storage

Investment manager Downing has selected EDF as route-to-market and trading partner for a 50MW battery storage project in England.

The project is expected to connect to the grid and start operations in August 2021.

It will connect directly to National Grid’s transmission system and the ambition for the second phase of the project is to develop a private wire network and a utility scale electric vehicle charging super hub in Nursling, Southampton.

EDF senior manager PPA and flexibility solutions Adam Clarke said: “We are extremely proud Downing has selected EDF for a long-term partnership.

“We are excited to be working together on their first 50MW battery storage project which will see EDF provide access to all National Grid schemes, including dynamic containment, as well as fully supported trading and optimisation services in wholesale energy markets.

“As the balance between ancillary services and wholesale trading becomes more complex, our asset optimisation capability is vital to maximising revenues and protecting investment for our customers.

“We look forward to future opportunities to extend this collaboration and further reinforce our commitment to help Britain achieve net zero.”

South Korean company Hyosung Heavy Industries is supplying the battery technology, its first transmission-connected battery project in the UK.

Arun Construction Services has managed the construction of the site since inception and will be responsible for the final installation of the asset.

Downing investment director Sean Moore said: “Battery storage solutions are increasingly important as a renewable energy enabling technology in our ongoing mission to combat climate change.

“We are proud and excited to be spearheading this exciting deal with a cohort of industry leading suppliers and investors.

“We look forward to continuing our work with each stakeholder to bring the asset in operation later this year.”

Arun Construction Services managing director Philip Dedman said: “Arun Construction Services are delighted to have been awarded the role of principal contractor for phase two of the 50MW battery storage facility at Nursling NG Substation.

“We look forward to being back on site from mid-March 2021 to see the project through to completion, working in close collaboration with Downing.”

Hyosung Heavy Industries UK managing director Danny Kim said: “Hyosung Heavy Industries are delighted to be a strategic partner to Downing on the Nursling project.

“We are proud to have engineered a system that meets the exacting standards of our valued customer.

“We see it as a key part of our UK and Global market growth in the ESS sector, supporting the energy transition of the UK power system.”

Osborne Clarke provided legal advice to Downing, with Ove & Arup Partners delivering technical and Mazars financial advice.