EDF Renewables to Add Over 300 MW of Battery Storage in the UK

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EDF Renewables is poised to make a significant contribution to the UK's energy storage capabilities with the launch of over 300 MW of battery storage capacity within the next 12 months. This ambitious rollout will span six projects currently under construction across England and Wales, marking a crucial step in the nation’s journey towards a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.

Expanding Battery Storage Capacity

The French state-owned energy giant is rapidly expanding its footprint in the UK's battery storage sector. With these new projects, EDF Renewables will bring an additional 313 MW of storage capacity online, further solidifying its position as a key player in the country’s transition to renewable energy. Notably, these projects are part of a broader strategy by EDF, which is currently developing over 2 GW of battery storage across England and Wales.

Among the six projects nearing completion are a 57 MW battery installation in Essex and a 47.5 MW system in Cornwall. These installations are critical components of EDF's expanding portfolio, which already includes more than 150 MW of battery energy storage systems in various locations such as Oxfordshire, Kent, and the West Midlands. One of the highlights of this portfolio is the world’s first grid-scale ‘hybrid’ battery at the Energy Superhub Oxford, which combines a 50 MW lithium-ion battery with a 2 MW vanadium flow battery.

Meeting the UK’s Energy Needs

The six projects, once operational, will provide enough storage capacity to power approximately 400,000 homes for two hours. This is a significant boost to the UK’s energy infrastructure, particularly as the country strives to meet its ambitious decarbonisation goals.

With the new Labour government committing to decarbonising the UK electricity grid by 2030, battery storage has become more important than ever. EDF Renewables emphasises that battery storage “provides the foundation for a reliable supply of clean power,” underscoring the technology's role in ensuring energy security while integrating more renewable sources like wind and solar into the grid.

The Growing Importance of Battery Storage

The UK’s push for renewable energy has led to a sharp increase in battery storage investments. According to the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), Great Britain currently has close to 4.7 GW of operational battery storage capacity. However, to meet the net zero target by 2050, the UK will need to expand this capacity to between 20 and 30 GW. This expansion is well underway, with a recent RenewableUK report indicating that the total pipeline of UK battery projects has surged by 67.4% in the past year.

EDF Renewables UK’s head of storage, Simone Sullivan, highlighted the critical role that battery storage will play in meeting the UK’s energy needs and achieving the government’s 2030 targets. Sullivan stated that battery storage is “critical” to enhancing UK energy security, adding, “Our upcoming project pipeline will strengthen the UK’s capacity to integrate more renewables and will allow the grid to be more flexible and resilient by managing electricity supply and demand.”

Supporting a Flexible and Resilient Grid

As the UK accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the flexibility and resilience of the grid will be increasingly important. EDF’s projects are designed to help the grid manage fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, a challenge that will grow as more intermittent renewable energy sources are brought online. By enabling the storage and release of energy as needed, battery systems can smooth out these fluctuations, ensuring a steady and reliable power supply.

EDF Renewables’ ongoing investments in battery storage are a testament to the company’s commitment to supporting the UK’s energy transition. With strong momentum behind its projects, EDF is helping the UK to harness the benefits of cost-effective, clean renewable energy while modernising its grid infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The next 12 months will be crucial for EDF Renewables as it brings these six projects online, adding substantial battery storage capacity to the UK grid. As the country moves towards its 2030 decarbonisation targets, the role of battery storage will only become more central. With EDF at the forefront, the UK is well-positioned to continue its progress towards a sustainable energy future.

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