What is SSE's first battery energy storage system?

SSE’s first battery energy storage system (BESS) project at Salisbury in Wiltshire, England is now fully operational. The 50MW / 100MWh BESS project, which could power over 80,000 homes* for two hours at times of peak demand, is the first operational battery site in SSE’s portfolio.

Where is the UK's largest battery energy storage system?

The UK's largest battery energy storage system has gone live in North Yorkshire. Lakeside Energy Park is a 100MW facility in Drax, near Selby, which can provide power to about 30,000 homes a day across England and Wales.

What is the UK's first grid-scale battery storage system?

Pivot Power, Wärtsilä, and Habitat Energy today activated the UK’s first grid-scale battery storage system directly connected to the transmission-network.

Why are battery energy storage systems important?

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) use batteries, for example lithium-ion batteries, to store electricity at times when supply is higher than demand. They can then later release electricity when it is needed. BESSs are therefore important for “the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy”.

Are UK battery energy storage systems becoming bigger?

UK battery energy storage systems are becoming larger — growing from the sub-50-MW size of several years ago into the substantial projects we see today.

How long can a Bess battery store?

Now operational, the BESS asset is capable of storing up to 100MWh of energy for flexible dispatch when needed to the National Grid. When called upon, the system can operate for up to two hours at a time at times of peak demand. "I am delighted to formally open Salisbury’s battery storage site.