In the UK, Matrix Renewables has begun work on its first standalone battery energy storage system project. The innovative project is called Eccles BESS. This ambitious project is rooted in Eccles, Scotland. It will provide 500 megawatts (MW) of power and provide two hours of storage – one gigawatt hour (GWh). As part of this announcement, the company revealed that it has won an integrated engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Tesla. They will be responsible for planning, designing and commissioning the facility.
The Eccles BESS project couldn’t have come at a better time. The UK is committed to increasing its grid flexibility and bringing on more renewable energy capacity. Plus, the project is positioned perfectly along major transmission superhighways running between Scotland and England. This strategic positioning makes it uniquely effective in executing its national energy infrastructure defence support.
Partnership with Tesla
Tesla’s role in the Eccles BESS project represents a lucrative new collaboration in the burgeoning renewable energy sector. As the EPC contract, Tesla will be tasked with constructing, designing and commissioning the facility. This partnership is a natural step towards achieving both companies’ commitments to accelerating the clean energy transition.
“We are excited to support Matrix Renewables with their entry into the UK, bringing Tesla’s track record in the market together with Matrix Renewables’ expertise and vision.” – Mike Snyder, Tesla Energy Vice President
In order to execute landmark projects like this, Snyder added, taking collaborative partnerships like theirs with Hines go a long way.
“We highly value the partnership with their team and look forward to executing this landmark project together.” – Mike Snyder, Tesla Energy Vice President
Supporting the UK’s Energy Goals
The Eccles BESS project is an indication of Matrix Renewables’ more general approach to deepen its asset portfolio into the UK market. The company aims to add up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of capacity across renewable generation and energy storage technologies over the coming years. This expansion is key to achieving the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target and Clean Power 2035 targets.
Sergio Arbeláez, the Managing Director for Matrix Renewables Europe & Latam, is passionate about this cause. He reiterated the company’s dedication to being a partner by “delivering the infrastructure required to enable a seamless transition to a clean, secure and resilient power system”.
“We are delivering infrastructure at the scale required to support the UK’s transition to a clean, secure, and resilient power system.” – Sergio Arbeláez, Matrix Renewables
The successful implementation of Eccles BESS will not only enhance energy storage capabilities but will contribute significantly towards achieving ambitious environmental targets.
Implications for Renewable Energy Integration
Eccles BESS functioning as a standalone battery energy storage system. It will make a major leap forward in ensuring the UK has a high-volume, efficient pathway to integrate increasing levels of renewable energy. Battery storage technology is an essential piece in the growing capability to better manage the balance of energy supply and demand. This project is another important step in that direction.
Eccles BESS increases overall grid flexibility. This improvement enables a greater percentage of renewables to pump into the electrical grid. This capacity will be key as we bring more renewable projects online, which are often challenging to manage on traditional energy systems.