Powering the transition to a sustainable future, Powersystems are delighted to announce today the energisiation of the Bustleholme Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which is a 49.9 MW energy storage project located in Sandwell, England, UK.
Proudly appointed as Principal Contractor for this prestigious project on behalf of their client EDF Pivot Power, Powersystems were awarded the contract for the design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, energisation and handover of the electrical infrastructure to enable the integration of the 49.9 MW BESS comprising of 10 transformers each with 2 inverters (total 19) connected to 76 Battery cubes supplied by Wärtsilä.
Powersystems Senior Electrical Project Engineer, Alan Bates said “Thanks to all involved, we have today successfully energized the 33 kV switchboards, ready to energise the inverter transformers. We are just in the process of completing the energisation process to allow the battery inverter supplier to commence their commissioning”.
- The grid-scale battery storage facility in Sandwell will connect to the transmission network at the National Grid’s Bustleholme substation, the site will help to create a greener energy grid and accelerate the UK’s drive to net zero
- The 50 MW/100 MWh lithium-ion battery will store enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes for 2 hours.
- It will support the integration of more renewable energy and increase the resiliency of the electricity system by automatically charging and discharging to balance supply and demand and manage intermittency.
- The project replicates core elements of Pivot Power’s Energy Superhub Oxford project, one of the most ambitious urban decarbonisation projects undertaken in the UK to date which combines a cutting-edge 50 MW hybrid battery with Europe’s most powerful electric vehicle (EV) charging network.
The Sandwell site forms an integral part of Pivot Power’s Energy Superhub network, designed to deliver up to 2 GW of transmission connected battery storage and high-volume power connections across the UK
Battery storage is essential to enable greater use of renewable energy and meet the UK Government’s target to decarbonise the country’s electricity system by 2035. According to National Grid’s Future Energy Scenario for 2021, up to 13 GW of electricity storage will be required in the UK by 2030 to support the increased installation of renewable generation.
Battery energy storage systems will be the key to energy transition.
The market for battery energy storage is estimated to grow to $10.84bn in 2026. The fall in battery technology prices and the increasing need for grid stability are just two reasons predicted for this growth, with the integration of renewable energy holding significant sway over the power market. Over the last decade, various new digital and smart technologies have been integrated, with countries promoting the modernisation of grids, and enhancing the grids’ capability to meet present and future requirements. As part of the effort, batteries are being deployed for a wide range of uses. A few such uses include aiding smart grids, integrating renewable technologies , and creating responsive electricity markets.
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems UK.
- Email jules.daly@powersystemsuk.com Telephone 01454 318000
- Photography Copyright please credit all images used to powersystemsuk.co.uk
Powersystems are powering the transition to a sustainable future
As a high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 46 years (1977-2023) experience Powersystems have grown by reputation to become a trusted force in the design, installation and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the UK.
Celebrating 26 years as the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme ‘s accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems are capable of delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV.
Since 2000, Powersystems have connected over 6 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation to the UK electricity grid, along with decarbonisation technology which includes; wind energy projects, solar, anaerobic digestion, hydroelectric, electrical vehicle infrastructure, short term operating reserve STOR, combined heat and power (CHP), Grid stability projects like rotating stabilisers, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as well as commercial industrial private wire networks.
Working with partners, delivering sustainable power solutions, proudly the Powersystems high voltage specialist team have connected 30% of all U.K. onshore wind farms.
At the core of the operation is a commitment to the highest values of health and safety, welfare, quality and the environment. Powersystems Integrated management systems are ISO accredited and their approach under their health and safety ‘Priority No.1’ brand is to aim for the best industry practice in all.
Powersystems UK Ltd. is an Employee-Owned Business and as such has a keen interest in the well-being of all its employees. They encourage and empower you to be imaginative, share great ideas and be involved in the success of the business.
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