SSE Energy Solutions has provided technology to help manage the operation of a 2MW battery at The University of Sheffield.
The local energy infrastructure division of SSE is set to install its Enhance platform to optimise the 2MW battery storage asset which is situated within the £4 million Willenhall Energy Storage research facility at the university.
The facility aims to “advance the development of an affordable and clean energy future that is secure and sustainable,” the firm said.
Enhance works by preventing the battery from taking power from the grid at times of peak usage. This instead feeds stored energy back into the grid when local demand on the battery is lower. It also grants access to the wholesale energy market as well as the Balancing Mechanism – an open auction via which National Grid buys power to keep the grid balanced.
The learnings from this project will be used to support the deployment of SSE’s technology at its first 50MW battery project in Salisbury. The battery will be the first of SSE Energy Solutions’ grid-scale solar and battery projects to support access to clean, reliable energy by balancing the intermittency of renewables, the firm said.
“Our research is focused on achieving net-zero across the energy system through the increased integration of energy storage. We have completed many successful pilots of new technologies and continue to operate assets at grid-scale that enables us to innovate in real-world conditions,” said Professor Dan Gladwin, deputy head of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Sheffield.
“Working with companies such as SSE is essential to ensure that our research and knowledge can be translated to achieve the environmental and economic impact that energy storage can deliver. We are pleased that we have been able to support SSE in the successful development of the Enhance platform for energy storage applications and look forward to continuing this exciting partnership.”
SSE engaged with researchers from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering on a knowledge exchange project relating to the operation of grid-connected energy storage assets. The project has enabled SSE to connect their first energy storage control system into their SSE Enhance platform, the company said.
“At SSE we take a Whole Systems Thinking approach to today’s challenges, whether it’s decarbonising our transport systems with EVs and greener ports or making the grid more suitable for renewable energy assets,” said Eunice Mabey, director of digital services at SSE Energy Solutions.
“SSE’s ‘decade of delivery’ is well underway, and we see leveraging technology and optimisation software like our Enhance platform as a key component to unlocking the solutions for our Net Zero targets.
“By having access to Enhance, the University of Sheffield will have an opportunity to pioneer research into energy market optimisation strategies and enabling technologies. We are proud and excited to be able to work together on this project.”