350MW/1,243MWh begins operation, with power for 1.3 million households once the second phase is complete
Global energy storage specialist BW ESS has begun commercial operation of the first phase of its Hams Hall battery energy storage system (BESS) in the UK's West Midlands. The operating facility has capacity of 350MW/1,243MWh. It is Europe's largest BESS by energy storage capacity in MWh and serves as key infrastructure in the UK's transition to a clean, resilient energy system. Located beside National Grid's Hams Hall substation, it balances fluctuating electricity demand and intermittent renewable generation, expands renewable energy grid connection and strengthens grid resilience and energy security.
The Hams Hall project reached commercial operation just 20 days after energisation. BW ESS worked closely with key partners including Sungrow, Energy-IO, National Grid and NESO throughout commissioning, test operations and operational preparation. The early start was achieved through engineering expertise, thorough preparation and close coordination among the participating organizations.
Once the second phase of construction is complete, Hams Hall BESS will have total capacity of 400MW/1,424MWh. At full operation, the entire facility will be able to supply approximately 1.3 million households for up to 3.5 hours. That is comparable to the total number of households across Greater Manchester. BW ESS co-founder and chief executive Erik Strømsø described the start of operations at Hams Hall as a milestone making a significant contribution to European energy infrastructure and emphasized that construction and commissioning had been completed ahead of schedule and within budget.
The project's long-term profitability is supported by a 10-year revenue floor and optimization agreement with EDF. Project finance was recently secured from a lending group including OCBC, Rabobank and Société Générale.
The Hams Hall project is part of the 2.6GWh Ardenham portfolio, jointly owned with decarbonization investment specialist AIP Management. Together with its 331MWh Bramley BESS in Hampshire, BW ESS has expanded its operating assets in the UK. It is currently building an 857MWh facility in Berkswell and pursuing an additional development pipeline totaling several gigawatt-hours.
Original Korean article: 2news.co.kr
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
