System integrator Fluence is set to support Statkraft, a Norwegian state-owned power producer, in delivering a 50MW transmission system-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) in the UK.
The Neilston BESS project will be installed at Neilston Greener Grid Park in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and will support National Grid ESO in ensuring system stability as more renewable energy sources come online. This includes providing inertia and short-circuit power to the grid, something not typically provided by most BESS projects in the UK.
The project was awarded under Phase 2 of the UK's Stability Pathfinder programme, which aims to replace the synchronous fossil fuel generators that have historically worked to provide stability through those services. National Grid ESO completed Phase 1 of the Stability Pathfinders programme, which comprised 12 new units, earlier this year, as reported by our sister site Current±. Fluence's announcement did not say when the project would be commissioned, however.
Lloyd Godwin, principal project manager at Statkraft commented: “We are pleased to be working with Fluence who will be providing the technology for our Neilston Greener Grid Park project, which has recently started construction.”
“The project will provide an essential service to stabilise the power grid and allow more renewable energy to be transmitted through the network, without relying on coal and gas-fired power stations,” added Godwin. “This means fewer harmful emissions, and lower bills for consumers, because renewable energy is cheaper.”
