BW ESS energizes 331 MWh battery in England’s South East

Energy storage developer BW ESS has energized a grid-connected BESS project it describes as “the largest of its kind to enter operation in the UK.”

The developer, part of Singapore and Oslo-based shipping and oil and gas production company BW Group, claimed its 100 MW/331 MWh BESS, near the English village of Bramley, in Hampshire, is one of the longest-duration energy storage sites in the United Kingdom.

The developer also touted a new revenue model for BESS after securing a seven-year tolling agreement from the Shell Energy Europe division of oil and gas major Shell, to use the site’s storage capacity. BW ESS described the project as representing “a market-first for a single battery energy storage asset in Europe.”

The Bramley battery will be the first BESS in Europe to feature the PowerTitan 2.0 liquid cooling technology supplied by Chinese solar inverter and battery storage supplier Sungrow and will supply enough electricity to power 44,000 UK homes.

BW ESS chief executive Erik Strømsø, quoted in a press release to announce energization at the Bramley site, said, “This is a landmark moment for BW ESS’ UK roll-out and a notable project in the context of the UK’s energy transition. Bramley is a state-of-the-art, pioneering project aligned with our mission to unlock the value of energy storage.”

The BW ESS website indicates the Bramley battery fell slightly behind schedule as it lists a commercial operation date during the final quarter of 2024.

Further comments:

Rupen Tanna, Head of Power at Shell Energy Europe Limited: “Shell Energy Europe is delighted to collaborate on this project, which sets a benchmark for innovative revenue models in the UK and European battery storage markets,.”

Shawn Shi, President of Sungrow Europe: “We are proud to partner with BW ESS on this groundbreaking project,” said “The Bramley BESS exemplifies our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions that not only support grid stability but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future. With the PowerTitan 2.0, we are setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and scalability, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the UK and beyond.”