UK step's up net zero preparations with Salisbury battery energy store
The Battery Energy Storage System in Salisbury is the first of its kind
The UK has stepped it's preparations for the transition to net zero with the opening of a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Salisbury.
Developed in partnership with SSE Renewables, it's the first site of its kind in the country and has the capability to power 80,000 homes for two hours at peak demand.
The site, which features 26 battery units, is located by the old Quidhampton Quarry and can store up to 100MWh of energy which can be released into the national grid when needed.
Salisbury MP John Glen attended the opening ceremony as the system went live and spoke exclusively to Greatest Hits Radio. He called it a significant boost for Salisbury.
"I'm very pleased with the investment SSE Renewables have put into Salisbury," he said, adding that the city is 'leading the way' on the journey to net zero.
He also told us that SSE are going to be over £7bn until 2027 to deliver the low carbon infrastructure needed to support the net zero transition, including further battery storage technology.
SSE Renewable's head of construction Alan Robinson spoke exclusively to Greatest Hits Radio and said battery energy is a key element to the jigsaw of renewable energy.
"Solar and wind is generally what we consider when we think of renewables. But Battery is a key jigsaw part of that.
"Batteries provide instant energy when the infrastructure around it needs it and that's exactly what we're doing here."
Mr Robinson likened the facility to a water reservoir, in that it stores up energy for when there's a shortage elsewhere.
He added that there's more to come from renewable energy sources.
"We see huge potential for both batteries and solar farms that will work in tandem with our current fleet of offshore and onshore wind farm. So it's a lot more work to do but it's an exciting time to be involved in renewables."
Director of Development and Construction – Solar & Battery, Richard Cave-Bigley, said: “It’s with great pride that our first battery storage project at Salisbury is now fully operational, a huge milestone for everybody at SSE Renewables.
“Being a first-of-a-kind project for SSE, the project team has done a tremendous job throughout construction, and I’d like to congratulate everybody involved for their efforts to get to this stage, and I’d like to thank our project partners, Wärtsilä, for their work.
“Salisbury BESS will be a fantastic asset for SSE Renewables and our growing operational portfolio.”