Nidec ASI has secured a contract from EDF Energy Renewables to build a 49MW battery storage project for the UK National Grid.
Planned to be built at EDF Energy’s site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, the project is claimed to Europe’s largest battery storage project.
It is part of a new 200MW enhanced frequency response system which will be installed throughout the UK to balance the country's grid.
EDF Energy Renewables won the contract for the project last summer, with a final investment decision taken in December after it secured a capacity market agreement from 2020 to 2035 from the UK authorities.
Nidec will supply the battery-based installation, which will be integrated into a power management system being provided by EDF Store & Forecast.
EDF said due to the better growth of renewable generation and the closure of large power plants, battery storage technology supports the stability of the national grid network. The technology can be used to respond rapidly to fluctuations in the electricity grid.
EDF Energy Renewables CEO Matthieu Hue said: “The innovative battery storage project in the UK is another example of EDF Group’s global CAP 2030 strategy to lead the transition to a low carbon energy future. We expect the project to be operational early next year.”
NIDEC PV and BESS Sales global director Matteo Rizzi said: “This is the second important order we have received related to the first round EFR National Grid tender taking our overall market share in terms of MW to 33% in the UK.
“This important contract confirms our leadership position in the market. We currently have more than 400MWh installed across the globe.”
Image: EDF Energy Renewables’ West Burton site, where a new 49MW energy storage project shall be installed. Photo: Courtesy of EDF Energy.