A digital render of one of GE Vernova’s FLEXINVERTER systems, which it will supply for the Sambar project. Image: GE Vernova.
Varco Energy, a UK-based battery energy storage system (BESS) owner and operator, has appointed GE Vernova to supply assets for a BESS project in Cornwall.
The company acquired the Sambar Power project, located near Newquay, Cornwall, in April of this year. Varco hopes to have the asset online by Q2 2025; once completed, it will have a capacity of 47.5MW, which Varco claims could power the equivalent of 30,000 homes.
GE Vernova’s Solar & Storage Solutions business has been contracted to supply the complete BESS for the project, as well as long-term service and maintenance. GE Vernova will provide its FLEXIQ Controls, FLEXINVERTER central inverters and Battery DC-Blocks products for the development.
James Mills, director, Varco Energy said: “BESS are critical infrastructure to help balance the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation and break the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels. We are therefore delighted to collaborate with GE Vernova on the 47.5MW, 2-hour duration Sambar Power project.
“At Varco we are committed to investing in assets that will accelerate renewable integration, sustain a resilient grid and drive consumer value in the UK. This is Varco’s second project contracted with GE Vernova and the third overall, as the company continues to expand its portfolio of utility-scale BESS across the UK.”
Prakash Chandra, president and CEO of GE Vernova’s Solar & Storage Solutions business, added: “GE Vernova is delighted to be chosen by Varco to provide a national grid-connected BESS for their Sambar Power project in Cornwall. Our FLEX 2 portfolio being deployed here is designed to provide flexible, reliable and intelligent solutions that help solve complex renewable integration and grid challenges while maximizing value for customers.
“We hope to advance our common mission of providing dispatchable and reliable clean energy that will benefit thousands of people while contributing to the transition to a clean energy future in the UK.”
Cornwall is a prime spot for renewable tech
In recent months, the county of Cornwall has become a hotbed for renewable tech adoption. Research by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) revealed that Cornwall ranked first in small-scale renewable installations in 2023, with 4,890 installations of solar panels and heat pumps taking place across the year.
This trend has continued into 2024, with 1,800 renewable energy installations taking place in the county up to June 2024. Solar PV is the most popular renewable energy technology in Cornwall, with 65% of the MCS-certified renewable installations taking place so far this year being solar PV systems.
