Europe’s biggest big battery, a Tesla Megapack project, powers up

A 98MW/196MWh Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system has been brought online in England, making it the biggest of its kind in Europe by megawatt-hours.

Developed by UK-based renewable energy developer Harmony Energy Limited, construction of the Pillswood battery energy storage system (BESS) was managed by Tesla.

Pillswood is located adjacent to National Grid’s Creyke Beck substation, the same connection point which has been proposed for both 1.2GW phases of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank.

It is expected, then, that Pillswood will play a significant role in ensuring the continued efficiency of Dogger Bank, storing some excess electricity from the wind farm and minimising curtailment.

The project was originally intended to become operational over two phases in December 2022 and March 2023, but the timetable has accelerated to support National Grid in its efforts to provide stable and secure power to UK households over the challenging winter period.

Harmony says it is the first of six similar projects the trust intends to deliver in the coming year.

“Battery energy storage systems are essential to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy in the UK, and we hope this particular one highlights Yorkshire as a leader in green energy solutions,” said Peter Kavanagh, director of Harmony Energy.

“These projects are not supported by taxpayer subsidy and will play a major role in contributing to the Net Zero transition, as well as ensuring the future security of the UK’s energy supply and reduced reliance on foreign gas imports.”