DONG Energy using battery system in UK wind farm

From power-technology.com

DONG Energy has unveiled plans to install a battery system into its 90MW Burbo Bank offshore windfarm in the UK.

This will help deliver frequency response, a mechanism used by the UK’s National Grid to help manage grid stability. The 2MW battery system will be supplied by ABB and is expected to be installed by the end of this year.

National GridNetwork’s capability (electricity) head Richard Smith said: “As Great Britain’s energy mix changes, we know that ensuring a safe and stable supply of energy into future will require more flexible services.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the DONG Energy solution of storage connected to the offshore windfarm will provide services to help us respond to day-to-day operational challenges and maintain the frequency of 50Hz on Great Britain’s electricity system.”

Once installed, the battery system will improve the capability of the windfarm and enable fast and inexpensive frequency support. It will also help the windfarm’s consumers to save money.

DONG Energy’s Partnerships, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and asset management senior vice-president Ole Sørensen said: “The need for flexibility is expected to grow and as a low-carbon leader, we’re keen to be part of the solution to make the energy system smarter.

“We already offer leading flexibility products to our business customers and now we’re focusing on enhancing what we offer on the generation side to help National Grid manage grid stability.”

DONG Energy’s Burbo Bank windfarm has been fully operational since 2007 and is capable of powering up to 80,000 UK homes.