Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) has connected the UK’s first large scale battery to the electricity distribution network on Orkney.
The innovative trial will investigate how large scale batteries can help get more renewable generation connected to the grid as well as how it can effectively store excess renewable energy to help keep the lights on.
The two megawatt lithium ion battery has been installed at Kirkwall Power Station and builds on the work already carried out in delivering the world’s first Active Network Management scheme, which has enabled a significant volume of renewable wind generation to connect to the grid at a reduced cost to renewable generators.
The technology used in the battery has been extensively proven elsewhere in the world, including a similar trial run by Mitsubishi in Nagasaki, Japan, and is increasingly being used in electric vehicles in the UK.
SHEPD’s Head of Commercial Mark Rough said: “This exciting trial will provide valuable research into the viability of using batteries for electricity storage. This is likely to become increasingly important to help balance the variable output from renewable forms of generation as we move to a largely decarbonised electricity generation mix.
“Although the installation of the battery will not provide an immediate solution to the current constraints on the Orkney distribution network, it is hoped that in the long term the result of the studies will help demonstrate that batteries could provide a cost effective way of freeing up capacity on the network to help facilitate new connections of low carbon generation. “
Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:
“Today’s announcement by SSE reinforces that Scotland is leading the way when it comes to developing and testing new ideas that may help us meet the electricity and energy needs of the future. Smart grid technologies such as these being pioneered in Orkney are increasingly important as we move to a low-carbon economy.
“Scotland has an incredible wealth of energy resources from a range of generating technologies, capable of both meeting our energy needs and significant exports to parts of the UK and Europe. We have a responsibility to make sure our nation seizes this opportunity.”
The battery has been developed by Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The trial is being funded by Ofgem’s Low Carbon Networks Fund which supports projects by electricity distribution network operators to try out new technology, operating and commercial arrangements.
Pictured: Mitsubishi's Tsutomu Hashimoto officially connects the battery.