Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor’s 25MW/50MWh Blandford Road battery energy storage system (BESS) has commenced operations.
The two-hour duration storage asset, which is fully owned by Equinor, is located in Dorset and will be operated by British storage company Noriker Power, in which Equinor holds a 45% equity share.
It is worth noting that this is Equinor’s first commercial battery storage asset to begin operation in the UK.
Solar Power Portal’s sister publication Energy-Storage.news reported in July 2023 that Denmark-based commodities trader Danske would provide market access, balancing and optimisation services for the Blandford Road BESS.
The BESS is connected to the Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) network and comprises around 150 lithium-ion battery units.
Grupotec Renewable provided engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services.
Equinor also confirmed that its 35MW/70MWh Welkin Mill battery storage project in Manchester is currently under construction. Being developed by Noriker, the two-hour BESS will connect to the distribution network operated by Electricity North West (ENWL) and is expected to be operational in 2024.
“This is a significant milestone for our ambition to deliver flexible power and maintain security of supply in the UK,” said Alex Grant, UK country manager at Equinor.
“A strong battery storage portfolio will further strengthen our position as a leading broad energy partner to the UK, building on our 40-year presence which includes being a stable supplier of oil and gas, developing the UK’s offshore wind industry, and pioneering solutions to decarbonise the UK economy.”
Solar Power Portal’s publisher Solar Media will host the 9th annual Energy Storage Summit EU in London, 20-21 February 2024. This year it is moving to a larger venue, bringing together Europe’s leading investors, policymakers, developers, utilities, energy buyers and service providers all in one place. Visit the official site for more info.