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FRV, Harmony Energy to launch utility-scale battery project in UK

LONDON, December 6, 2019

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy and a leading global developer of renewable energy projects, said it has collaborated with British developer Harmony Energy for the launch of its first utility-scale battery project at Holes Bay, Poole, a coastal town in Dorset, southern England.

This comes as a part of the company’s long-term investment strategy to develop energy storage projects globally.

The Holes Bay scheme comprises a lithium-ion battery array, with a total capacity of 15 MWh, which will be connected to the Southern Electric Power distribution network, thus providing the capability to store energy from renewable sources and afford peak-time flexibility to the UK National Grid.

The project will be a first-of-a-kind development in the UK and Europe, utilizing cutting-edge control and storage technologies, said the statement from FRV.

Construction will start next month and the commissioning is expected by April 2020, for what will be one of the largest battery storage systems in the South of England.

As per the deal, Harmony Energy will be responsible for building, owning and operating the renewable energy assets across the UK.  

Felipe Hernández, the managing director (Engineering and Asset Management) at FRV, said: "We are already collaborating with governments, regulators, and partners around the world to lay the foundations for a new energy model."

"Energy storage plays a central and critical role to fully realize the power of renewable energy, and FRV acknowledges the value of this technology as a key element to achieve a decarbonized society," stated Hernandez.  

"The Holes Bay project will be the first in a strategic energy storage pipeline to be launched both globally and within the UK.  We are pleased to join efforts together with Harmony Energy, demonstrating the economic and technical feasibility of the battery energy storage system," he added.

Harmony Energy CEO Peter Kavanagh said: "This is a hugely significant project for us because it is the first in a large pipeline of utility-scale battery storage plants for Harmony in the UK. We’re looking forward to working with FRV to bring it forward in the new year."

Wind and solar projects remain key, but battery storage is the missing link in the UK’s renewable energy strategy, both in terms of controlling grid frequency and providing backup during periods of peak demand and supply, stated Kavanagh.  

"We have over 500 MW of battery energy storage assets construction-ready and with the backing of FRV, we have also qualified 300 MW of new battery energy storage systems into the UK’s capacity market. It’s a critical time for battery energy storage in the UK and we are pleased to be at the forefront of development," he added.

Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel International, said: "Through our pioneering renewables operation, FRV, continues to democratize access to a sustainable energy future through innovation and strategic partnerships developing the economic viability of renewables to be accessible by all and contribute to the decarbonization of society and arresting the impacts of climate change."

"We are proud to partner with Harmony Energy and be part of the ground-breaking development of the UK’s strategic sustainable energy program," he added.-TradeArabia News Service




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