New 300MW Battery Energy Storage System in the West Midlands
A 300MW battery energy storage system (BESS) is being built at Cellarhead in the West Midlands, UK, and is expected to be completed by 2026. The facility will consist of containerized battery storage units capable of powering up to 690,000 homes for two hours, with typical discharge durations ranging from 30 minutes to four hours and a maximum energy capacity of around 624 megawatt hours.
Project Development and Ownership
The BESS is being constructed by Ameresco and Atlantic Green, who plan to complete the project and secure grid connection by mid-2026. Ameresco has signed a £196.5 million contract and long-term service agreement with Atlantic Green. After completion, Atlantic Green will own and operate the BESS, making it one of the UK’s largest battery energy storage projects.
About Atlantic Green
Atlantic Green is a joint venture between Interland and Nofar Energy, established in 2021 to invest in, develop, and operate grid-scale battery energy storage projects across the UK.
Additional Project Details
The project will connect to the Cellarhead Grid Supply Point via underground 132kV cables, with a site area of 1.7 acres and an additional 2.9 acres designated for heathland planting to enhance biodiversity. The development is fully reversible and has an operational lifespan of about 35 years.
Further Reading
wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_energy_storage_system
conradenergy.co.uk/energy-generation/
essmag.co.uk/a-new-300-mw-bess
jpsil.co.uk/content/bess-battery-energy-storage-system