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Lightsource BP has energised the first battery project of its multi-gigawatt global energy storage pipeline.
The joint venture has confirmed that it has launched the 25MW/50MWh Tiln battery project.
It accompanies Lightsource BP’s 61MWp Tiln solar project in Lincolnshire which is now also energised.
During the past two years, the company has been working to enable storage opportunities to support the 60GW of solar currently being developed worldwide by Lightsource BP.
The Tiln battery is co-located with the solar project, sharing grid connection infrastructure.
The project is anticipated to participate in both traded markets and the provision of ancillary services.
A Lighthouse BP spokesperson said: “Large-scale batteries like this provide a wide range of applications, including optimising renewable generation, stabilising the grid, and meeting the urgency for more sustainable power without the need to wait for grid updates, all while helping to lower costs for consumers.”
Miguel Vega, EMEA director of business development at Lightsource BP, added: “Energy storage can help renewables to take a central role in the world’s electricity networks.
“Developing our talented teams to deliver gigawatts of storage and solar in tandem means Lightsource BP is ready to hit the ground running as a global developer of energy storage.
“It’s imperative that renewables, with solar at the forefront, are established as the backbone of low-carbon energy systems. Incorporating storage solutions ensures that clean, sustainable energy is accessible whenever and wherever it is needed.”
Declan Keiley, head of development for UK & Ireland at Lightsource BP, said: “The Tiln battery project is the result of years of hard work from dedicated experts across our team.
“By integrating batteries into the grid, we’re not only increasing the share of renewables, but are actively shaping a sustainable future. With planning permission secured for additional projects in the UK and globally, our commitment to expanding energy storage is well underway.”
Lightsource rebranded as Lightsource BP after the oil and gas company BP purchased a 43% stake in the company in December 2017 as part of $200 million deal.
Lightsource BP is currently operated as a 50:50 joint venture, however BP has announced the intention to fully acquire the business.
Almost 85GW of battery storage projects are now operational, under construction, consented or in planning or development, according to figures released by Renewable UK shortly before the end of 2023.
The trade body said the pipeline has swelled by more than two-thirds over last year from 50.3GW to 84.8GW.
This includes 3.5GW of operational battery storage and 3.8GW that is under construction. A further 24.5GW of projects are consented and 27.4GW are currently seeking planning permission. There are also 25.7GW of projects in pre-planning development.
The Energy Networks Association also revealed that battery storage projects accounted for 29% – or 159GW – of the connection queue for the power grid as of September 2023.
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