Statkraft’s first grid-forming battery scheme now operational

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has completed the commissioning of phase one at Neilston Greener Grid Park. The project is Statkraft’s first grid-forming battery project, and one of the first in the UK to enter commercial operation.

The 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) is part of over £2bn invested in the UK’s renewable infrastructure since Statkraft entered the market here in 2006.

Grid-forming batteries, such as those at Neilston Greener Grid Park, provide stability services when there is disruption to the electricity network. Historically, the electricity grid maintained its stability by relying on large spinning turbines in fossil fuel and hydropower generation. They have embedded rotational energy, known as inertia, providing uninterrupted power during changes in generation or demand.

As more renewables, such as wind and solar, connect to Great Britain’s electricity grid, lower cost and lower carbon solutions, are needed to maintain grid inertia and system strength. BESS can also deliver other essential grid services at a low cost, such as frequency response, voltage control, and balancing services.

Batteries are essential to the country’s evolving energy infrastructure. By storing excess wind and solar power, BESS schemes increase the use of home-grown energy, strengthen energy security, reducing reliance on expensive, volatile imported gas, leading to more stable bills for consumers and businesses.

Renewable projects also bring local benefits. Statkraft was the first company to voluntarily provide dedicated community benefit funds for BESS and grid stability projects, beginning from the construction phase. Over £50,000 has already been distributed to community groups close to Neilston Greener Grid Park, with a focus on supporting initiatives that accelerate the transition to a low carbon society.

Statkraft has further grid stability projects under construction, including a second grid-forming BESS scheme at Coylton in East Ayrshire, and two large synchronous compensator schemes, at Swansea in Wales and Necton in Norfolk, as part of NESO’s Stability Pathfinder Three. 

Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft’s UK and Ireland Country Manager, said: “Innovative projects like Neilston Greener Grid Park will help us to move away from fossil fuels to a low-carbon electricity system, stabilising consumer bills and strengthening Great Britain’s energy security. Urgent action is needed to transform our electricity grid and make it fit for the future. This scheme will enable more renewables to be connected to it, which will help mitigate the worsening impacts of our changing climate.”