UK-based Harmony Energy Income Trust (HEIT) has successfully energized its 99 MW / 198 MWh Bumpers Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Buckinghamshire, making it one of the largest BESS projects in Europe by MWh.
This follows the energization of its 98 MW / 196 MWh Pillswood BESS project in Yorkshire last year. Additionally, HEIT’s 49.5 MW / 99 MWh Little Raith BESS in Scotland was also energized this month.
The successful energization of the Bumpers and Little Raith projects brings HEIT’s total operational capacity to 277.5 MW / 555 MWh across five projects, accounting for approximately 70% of its entire portfolio based on total MW capacity.
Both projects utilize Tesla’s two-hour Megapack 2XL system and are operated through Autobidder, Tesla’s algorithmic trading platform. “We want to be at the forefront of a greener and more sustainable future,” said Max Slade, Director of the investment manager of HEIT on Tuesday. The projects can store enough energy to power around 450,000 homes for two hours.
The BESS projects will offer critical balancing services to the GB electricity grid while facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. They will also reduce the need for the National Grid to curtail wind farm operations when renewable generation exceeds demand.
Lucie Peralta Agass, Head of Sustainability at Harmony Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment to local impact through activities like tree planting and community funds. “Sustainability is core to our values,” she stated.
HEIT has a further three projects set to complete construction in the coming six months, solidifying its position as a leader in the GB renewable energy sector.
The energization of the Bumpers and Little Raith projects marks a significant advancement in HEIT’s efforts to transition to clean energy technologies. The projects will contribute to grid balancing and the efficient use of renewable energy, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
