- Shell has commenced operations of a 100MW storage system in the UK.
- The system will help to balance grid frequency.
- The system will be operated by Shell’s subsidiary Linejump.
Shell Energy Europe has commenced the operation of what it calls ‘Europe’s largest battery plant’ in Wiltshire, South West England. The 100MW storage system will help balance the UK’s electricity and provide power to 10,000 homes daily. The system is the largest battery within National Grid ESO’s Dynamic Containment market, which it established to help balance the grid frequency.
Last year, Shell signed a multi-year offtake agreement to trade all of the power from the battery. This facility is part of Shell’s broader efforts to accelerate its clean energy transition. The system consists of two 50MW batteries developed by Penso Power and will be operated by Shell’s subsidiary, Limejump. China’s Huaneng Group and the CNIC Corporation provided funding for the project.
Shell Energy Europe’s VP, David Wells, noted that flexible storage and supply systems are essential for balancing supply and demand, especially as renewable power sources become increasingly central to the UK’s energy needs. He added that energy storage would be vital to enabling the UK to meet its 2050 net-zero emissions targets.