The technology group Wärtsilä has signed a contract with EDF Renewables UK and Ireland to deliver a new grid-scale energy storage facility in Sundon, Bedfordshire, UK. The 50 MW / 100 MWh project, which will form part of a new Energy Superhub in the region, will help to support the transition to a decarbonised electricity system and accelerate the UK’s net zero future.

The new Li-ion storage facility, which can store enough electricity to power 100 000 homes for two hours, will support electric vehicle charging and the electrification of public transport. The project will enable increased renewable energy integration and intermittency management, in addition to strengthening the resiliency of the electricity system, automatically charging and discharging to balance supply and demand.

Matthew Boulton, a director at EDF Renewables, says there is no renewable future without a smart, flexible energy grid. “That is why we are working with local councils to accelerate the rollout of Energy Superhubs, helping to unleash the potential of renewable energy and enable local people to reap the benefits of net zero through better access to low-carbon transport. We know the challenge ahead of us – we need more renewable energy and energy storage to back it up. Our storage facility in Sundon marks a key milestone for the UK as we lay the foundation for net zero.”

Wärtsilä has provided its propriety GridSolv Quantum system and GEMS Digital Energy Platform, in addition to the power conversion system and commissioning for the project. GEMS provides the data and insights to instruct trading parties and performance for comprehensive asset management. The energy storage technology will enable balancing services for the UK grid, including electricity market trading and frequency response, with the capability to support local consumers such as EV charging stations during grid outages.

Contact Mirja-Maija Santala, Wärtsilä Energy, mirja-maija.santala@wartsila.com