Wärtsilä and EDF Renewables UK partner on sixth battery project to decarbonise the UK’s electricity system
Wärtsilä Corporation, Trade Press Release 3 May 2023 at 10 AM EEST
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a repeat order with EDF Renewables UK to deliver a grid-scale energy storage system (ESS) in Bramford, United Kingdom (UK). The 57 MW / 114 MWh project will support the transition to a decarbonised electricity system and help achieve the UK’s net zero goals. The order was booked in Q1 2023 and is expected to be delivered in Q1 2024.
This is Wärtsilä’s sixth project with EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, and builds on the strong, long-term partnership between the two companies. Wärtsilä’s energy storage portfolio in the UK now exceeds 1 GWh.
The new storage facility will be connected to the transmission network, enabling the integration of renewable energy into the grid. The facility will strengthen the resilience of the electricity system, and automatically charge and discharge to balance supply and demand. The Bramford project will also be capable of supporting any future developments in electric vehicle (EV) charging and the electrification of public transport, like its sister project in Oxford.
Gabriele Buccini, Senior Business Development Manager, Energy Storage and Optimisation, Wärtsilä said: “Whilst greater integration of renewables into the UK’s electricity grid is critical to supporting the transition to net zero, smart power infrastructure is needed to manage its intermittency and improve the resilience of the UK’s electricity system. That is exactly what the Bramford project is helping to do, and deliver cleaner, more reliable power to the country. Wärtsilä and EDF Renewables UK have a fantastic long-term partnership and we’re pleased to continue building on our relationship with this sixth project.”
Matthew Boulton, Director of Storage and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK, said: “A massive energy transition is underway, and renewables are at the heart of this turning point for the energy industry. Our aim is to help create an energy system that is clean, affordable, and secure by providing valuable flexibility to support the integration of a greater amount of renewable energy. Our Bramford battery storage facility is an important part of this, and we are excited to start construction next month, where we will be making the most of Wärtsilä’s expertise in delivering smart and flexible energy storage technology.”
Wärtsilä will deliver its GridSolv Quantum system and sophisticated GEMS Digital Energy Management Platform for the project. GEMS will be the main controller for the entire ESS installation, including interfacing with the grid as well as external traders. The Bramford battery storage facility will be constructed near a planned solar farm, also being developed by EDF Renewables UK, which is currently awaiting a planning decision from Mid-Suffolk District Council.
Like its sister facility in Sundon, GEMS will provide data and insights to instruct trading parties and performance for comprehensive asset management. GEMS will enable balancing services for the UK grid, including electric market trading and frequency response.
In addition to Bramford, Wärtsilä’s existing projects with EDF Renewables include UK energy storage facilities delivered in 2021 in Oxford and Kent, and three additional projects under construction in Birmingham, Coventry and Sundon.
Related press releases on previous orders:
Learn more:
Project Spotlight: EDF Renewables UK AND Ireland
Wärtsilä’s energy storage and optimisation technology
For further information, please contact:
Katri Pehkonen
Communications Manager
Wärtsilä Energy
Mob: +358 50 591 6180
katri.pehkonen@wartsila.com
Image caption: The Bramford energy storage system marks Wärtsilä’s sixth order with EDF Renewables UK to support UK’s path to net-zero. @Wärtsilä
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Wärtsilä Energy in brief
Wärtsilä Energy leads the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our partners to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through our market-leading technologies and power system modelling expertise. These cover decarbonisation services, future-fuel enabled balancing power plants, hybrid solutions, energy storage and optimisation technology, including the GEMS Digital Energy Platform. Wärtsilä Energy’s lifecycle services are designed to increase efficiency, promote reliability, and guarantee operational performance. Our track record comprises 76 GW of power plant capacity and 110 energy storage systems delivered to 180 countries around the world.
https://www.wartsila.com/energy
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,500 professionals in more than 240 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2022, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.8 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
https://www.wartsila.com
About EDF Renewables UK & Ireland
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland is a subsidiary of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies, and our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 41 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1 GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 5 GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV. We have 700 MW in construction.
https://www.edf-re.uk/
