UK-based energy company Statera Energy has announced its 300MW/600MWh Thurrock battery energy storage system (BESS) project is now operational.
The company said it is the largest BESS in the UK so far and can power up to 680,000 homes for up to two hours.
The BESS is located north of the former Tilbury coal power station and is expected to deploy energy directly where it is most needed across London and the South-East of England.
It sits next to the 450MW Thurrock flexible generation plant that can deliver backup to the grid at times when there are extended shortfalls in renewable output.
The firm said the BESS project will create job opportunities and apprenticeships for operations and maintenance.
Statera has over 2.1GW in capacity of UK projects that have either been delivered or are in construction, with 16GW in development or consented. The company has invested £1 billion in projects and plans to have £7 billion invested by 2030.
Tom Vernon, CEO and founder, Statera Energy, said, “We are delighted that Thurrock Storage is now energised, following its successful connection to the grid by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). Increasing BESS capacity is essential for supporting the grid when renewable generation, such as solar and wind, is low or changes quickly. It ensures that energy can be stored efficiently and returned to the grid whenever it’s needed.”
Image: The 300MW/600MWh Thurrock BESS project, which is now operational. Credit: Statera Energy.
