Energy storage specialist Eku Energy has announced the successful commissioning of its Maldon battery energy storage system (BESS), its first UK project to reach commercial operation.
Located in Essex, just outside London, the Maldon BESS project boasts a 40MW/40MWh capacity. The development was constructed by Trina Storage, which will service and maintain the project for its operational lifespan. Additionally, the project has successfully secured a long-term capacity market contract, traded by EDF.
“The Maldon battery energy storage system is Eku Energy’s first project to reach commercial operation in the United Kingdom, and we are excited to be delivering critical energy storage capability to the UK network,” said Daniel Burrows, CEO of Eku Energy. “Battery energy storage provides important firming capability to increase the grid’s renewable energy hosting capacity. Through our strong local presence in the United Kingdom and our global specialist expertise in energy storage, we are proud to be helping the United Kingdom deliver safe, secure and reliable green energy as we accelerate the energy transition.”
UK Power Networks (UKPN) played a vital role in completing the project by connecting the battery to the local electricity grid. Project manager Zhen Wang said, the distribution network operator (DNO) plays “a key role” in the country’s transition to Net Zero, “ensuring there is sufficient electrical network capacity for customers to connect low carbon technologies such as EVs or renewable generation.
“Utility batteries are a cornerstone of this strategy, and we were pleased to take part in progressing Eku Energy’s Maldon BESS project.”
Eku Energy expands UK footprint
In February, Eku Energy announced that it had begun constructing two BESS systems with a collective 130MWh of capacity. The two projects, located in Basildon, Essex, and Loudwater, Buckinghamshire, are expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Other major players in the BESS market have recently celebrated the energisation of new projects. Harmony Energy Income Trust (HEIT) today (12 September) announced that it has successfully energised two projects with a combined capacity of 82.9MW/165.8MWh, and as such HEIT’s entire 395.4MW/790.8MWh portfolio is operational.
