SAE signs contract for one of the largest BESS in the UK

Simec Atlantis Energy (SAE), a global developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy projects has signed an agreement with Energy Optimisation Solutions and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners via their portfolio company, Uskmouth Energy Storage Limited (UES) for a 230MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in the UK.

The 230MW / 460MWh BESS will come up at the Uskmouth, a former coal plant site, and is claimed to be one of the largest BESS projects in the UK. The project is expected to play a key role in the UK's energy transition and the integration of more renewable power into the electricity system. A few of the other large-scale BESS in the UK include Amp Energy's two 400MW / 800MWh assets in Scotland and 360MW Sembcorp Energy UK BESS.

As per the plan, UES will own and operate the project, and the BESS is expected to be operational towards the end of 2024.

The construction of BESS plant is expected to take 18 months, however, the development is still subject to planning approval.

"The development includes a modification of the grid connection agreement and a planning application, the latter to be determined by Newport City Council," SAE stated.

The project will deliver to SAE c.£40m in revenue over 30-years, of which c.£11m will be paid within the next 18 months, subject to the achievement of certain milestones.