BW ESS has recently entered a strategic partnership with AIP Management to double its UK battery storage portfolio. Together, this partnership marks a significant advancement in the transition to clean energy technologies. As the portfolio consists of 700 megawatts (MW) of total capacity, it is poised to collectively produce some tangible results. The assets include the operational Bramley site, which is a 100 MW capacity facility. It further includes the Hams Hall site, 400 MW, and the Berkswell site, 200 MW both currently under construction.
Our partnership aims to leverage BW ESS’s existing resources and expertise. It will leverage AIP’s technical know-how to deliver essential flexibility that the UK power system urgently needs. The portfolio’s homes are well-placed, largely across the Midlands and south-east of England. This strategic siting reduces congestion vulnerabilities and locates the facilities close to major electricity load centers as well as National Grid substations. When fully deployed, these batteries will provide enough stored energy to serve the electric demand of roughly 2.3 million homes. They can only run on electricity for 3.5 hours consecutively.
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
Erik Strømsø, CEO of BW ESS said that he was excited about the new partnership, together with AIP. He specifically pointed to their approaches alignment and shared ambitions for developing big battery storage assets.
“We are delighted to welcome AIP as our partner in this strategically important portfolio. We see strong alignment in our approaches and a shared ambition to deliver storage assets at scale. With AIP’s infrastructure expertise and long-term perspective alongside our operational capabilities, we are confident this partnership will support the UK’s energy transition and provide lasting benefits to both parties.” – Erik Strømsø, BW ESS CEO
AIP Management’s co-head of investments, Greg Falzon, expressed similar sentiments, noting how their industrial expertise will complement one another.
“We are very pleased to form this partnership with BW ESS, which brings highly complementary industrial expertise and operational capabilities to our investment approach. Together we will deliver long-term value while enabling the deployment of critical flexibility in the UK power system.” – Greg Falzon, AIP partner and co-head of investments
Expanding Battery Energy Storage Systems
BW ESS manages over 500 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Beyond that, they’re building a jaw-dropping 3.3 GWh of BESS in six markets. BW ESS is dedicated to growing its footprint within the energy-storage market. This impressive growth is a testament to their commitment to providing innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the world’s growing energy needs.
BW ESS’s development pipeline is a testament to the forward-thinking approach BW is taking to solve the energy market’s greatest challenges. By investing in a diverse range of projects, they aim to ensure that their offerings are flexible and capable of adapting to future energy requirements.
Future Prospects
The UK is unapologetically in the midst of a deep transition to renewable energies. Collaborative relationships, like the one we’ve seen formed between BW ESS and AIP Management, will be crucial to push this transition even faster. This winning portfolio is rooted in operational excellence, strategic location, and collaborative community expertise. The technology is primed to continue driving a major transformation in the national grid and shore up America’s energy security.