Dong Energy is planning to install a battery storage solution at the 90MW Burbo Bank offshore wind farm located in Irish Sea.
The battery storage will be a 2MW solution and it is set to be installed by the end of this year. Battery system for the project will be supplied by ABB. With the installation of the storage system, the wind farm can deliver frequency response to the grid.
The wind farm has been fully operational since 2007 and it can generate enough electricity to power around 80,000 UK homes.
With frequency response, the National Grid can help manage the grid’s stability. The grid’s frequency will be a continuously changing variable which must remain close to 50Hz.
If there are changes to the frequency from its limits, it can affect everything plugged into the grid, ranging from home appliance to power stations. The ability to inject to reduce bursts of electrical energy can allow the grid to rapidly respond to changes in frequency.
National Grid Network Capability (electricity) head Richard Smith said: “As Great Britain’s energy mix changes, we know that ensuring a safe and stable supply of energy into future will require more flexible services.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the DONG Energy solution of storage connected to the offshore wind farm will provide services to help us respond to day-to-day operational challenges and maintain the frequency of 50 Hz on Great Britain’s electricity system.”
DONG Energy Wind Power Partnerships/M&A and Asset Management senior vice president Ole Kjems Sørensen said: “The need for flexibility is expected to grow, and as a low-carbon leader, we’re keen to be part of the solution to make the energy system smarter.
“We already offer leading flexibility products to our business customers, and now we’re focusing on enhancing what we offer on the generation side to help National Grid manage grid stability.
“We’re excited to use battery technology to demonstrate this wind power and battery hybrid capability. With eight existing offshore wind farms in the UK and another four under construction, we expect to leverage further technology improvements and innovations and ensure that DONG Energy supports the stability of grid systems as generation capacity becomes cleaner and more sustainable.”