One of Europe's largest battery energy storage systems is to be built in Norfolk
It will store power equivalent to the daily energy use of 80,000 homes
A huge battery energy storage system is set to be built in a Norfolk Village.
It will be installed in Swardeston, on the same site as the onshore converter station for the Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm, with Ørsted, the company behind the plans saying this should minimise disruption to those living and working nearby.
Once built, it will be one of the biggest in Europe - and will store power equivalent to the daily energy use of 80,000 homes.
The renewable energy company says the Tesla battery energy storage system will help provide stability to the UK energy supply and reduce price volatility.
It will be operational by 2026.
What does it mean?
When it is windy and sunny, so that electricity generation exceeds demand, the battery will store the excess so that it can be discharged later to help balance the grid.
It's thought this will reduce price volatility for consumers as it will make more power available, including during peak periods, when energy is traditionally more expensive.
It should also help make UK energy systems easier to manage by helping smooth out the variations between supply and demand.
Duncan Clark, Head of Ørsted UK & Ireland, said: “Our 12 existing UK offshore wind farms are providing a huge amount of clean energy to the grid.
"The battery will help ensure that renewable energy is used in the best possible way by storing it when demand is lower and then releasing it back into the system when it’s really needed.
"This maximises the potential of renewable energy whilst providing increased energy security and value to consumers. “