Harmony is being backed at Holes Bay by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), leaders in providing comprehensive renewable energy solutions across the globe. Construction will start in January 2020, with commissioning expected within three months for what will be one of the largest battery storage systems in the south of England.
Holes Bay will be a first-of-a-kind development in the UK and Europe, utilising cutting-edge control and storage technologies. The scheme will see a system of lithium-ion batteries, with a combined capacity of 15MWh, connect to the Southern Electric Power distribution network, providing the capability to store energy from renewable sources and give crucial flexibility to the grid.
UK energy infrastructure investment
This scheme is the first battery project for FRV, part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, as part of a long-term investment plan to develop energy storage projects globally. The plan includes long-term investments in battery energy storage projects that play a central role in the market, supporting the increasing penetration of renewables in the global energy mix.
Harmony Energy, with the backing of FRV, has also conditionally pre-qualified 300 MW of new battery energy storage systems in the UK Capacity Market, with this pre-qualified capacity making up 16% of the total 1.8 GW battery energy capacity.
The UK has been a pioneer in deploying these systems in a competitive and open market, creating perfect conditions for integrators, developers and investors to embrace the benefits of incorporating these clean technologies into the energy mix. FRV believes investing in low-carbon initiatives in the United Kingdom is essential to support the Country´s ambitious 2030/50 decarbonisation targets and believes battery energy storage will provide the capacity and flexibility National Grid needs.
Peter Kavanagh, CEO of Harmony Energy, said “This is a hugely significant project for Harmony, because it is the first in a large pipeline of utility-scale battery storage plants in the UK, and we’re looking forward to working with FRV to bring Holes Bay forward in the new year”.
“Wind and solar projects remain key but battery storage is the missing link in the UK’s renewable energy strategy, both in terms of controlling grid frequency and providing backup during periods of peak demand and supply. We have over 500 MW of battery energy storage assets construction-ready and with the backing of FRV, we have also pre-qualified 300 MW of new battery energy storage systems into the UK’s Capacity Market. It’s a critical time for battery energy storage in the UK and we are pleased to be at the forefront of development.”
Felipe Hernandez, Managing Director Engineering and Asset Management of FRV, notes: “FRV is already collaborating with governments, regulators, and partners around the world to lay the foundations for a new energy model. Energy storage plays a central and critical role to fully realise the power of renewable energy, and FRV acknowledges the value of this technology as a key element to achieve a decarbonised society.”
“The Holes Bay project will be the first in a strategic energy storage pipeline to be launched both globally and within the UK. We are pleased to join efforts together with Harmony Energy, demonstrating the economic and technical feasibility of the battery energy storage system.”
Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel International, further commented: “Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, through our pioneering renewables operation FRV, continues to advance a sustainable energy future through innovation and strategic partnerships, progressing the economic viability of renewables and eventually arresting the impacts of climate change. We are proud to partner with Harmony Energy and be part of the ground-breaking development of the UK’s strategic sustainable energy programme.”
