Saudi-based Abdul Latif Jameel Energy said its key unit Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) has started work on one of Britain’s largest battery storage projects at Essex in partnership with leading UK developer Harmony Energy.   

 

A major global renewable energy business, FRV said the Clay Tye site located in Essex and will have a total power capaity of 99MW / 198MWh, making it one of the biggest projects of its kind under construction in the UK. 

 

Clay Tye follows the successful completion of FRV and Harmony Energy’s West-Sussex based battery storage facility, Contego, which has a capacity of 34 MW / 68 MWh. It also follows the completion of FRV’s Dorset-based Holes Bay battery energy storage project, which has a capacity of 7.5 MW / 15 MWh.

 

The project reflects FRV’s long-term investment plan to develop energy storage projects globally in countries like Australia, Mexico, Chile and Spain.

 

On the big UK project, Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: "We are always looking for opportunities to spearhead the move to a more sustainable future. Today, we are collaborating with Harmony Energy to commence the construction of Clay Tye, which highlights our commitment to tackling climate change in a tangible and sustainable way."

 

"The energy transition has always been a core priority for us, and we are working hand-in-hand with the right partners to develop an energy system that is more sustainable, secure and affordable," he noted.

 

Clay Tye uses 52 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries along with Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for energy capacity exchange and efficient project management. 

 

Megapack batteries have a capacity of 15 MWh and are connected to the Southern Electric Power distribution network, providing the capability to store energy from renewable sources and afford peak-time flexibility to the UK National Grid as part of the UK’s continuing shift away from fossil fuels.

 

Both FRV and Harmony Energy expect the BESS plant to be operational during the Q1 of 2023.

 

Felipe Hernández, FRV Managing Director of Engineering and FRV-X, said: "Clay Tye is going to be a significant milestone in our growth objective in the UK energy storage market. This BESS strengthens the long-term sustainability of our business model and our leadership position in the market."

 

"In this way, we are continuing the path for the future FRV’s assets in the country, which are in the commercial operation, construction and development phase," he added.-TradeArabia News Service