EDP Renewables has officially commenced construction of its first stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to build a multi-technology portfolio that supports the energy transition across all markets where it operates.
Harrington Franklin Storage Project
The Harrington Franklin storage project, located in Kent, England, will contribute 50 MW to the British grid, equating to 100 MWh of energy production or 2 hours of storage capacity. This project is expected to be fully operational by 2025 and will play a crucial role in enhancing grid flexibility and optimizing the balance between energy supply and demand. By facilitating the efficient use of renewable energy generated throughout the country, it sets the stage for a more sustainable and reliable energy system.
Duarte Bello, CEO of Europe at EDP, stated, “Storage will play a pivotal role in the future of renewable energy, and we at EDP are proud to be one of the players investing in this key area of the sector. The Harrington Franklin project is a clear example of both our ambition and our ability to develop storage systems that support grid flexibility and help drive Europe’s energy transition.”
Expanding Storage Capacity
In addition to the Harrington Franklin project, EDP has secured another 50 MW storage project in the UK and a 36 MW project in Spain. The company has recently been awarded subsidies to develop a portfolio of 141 MW in Spain and Portugal. Furthermore, EDP is expanding its footprint in the United States, where it announced a deal to add 200 MW of energy storage to Arizona’s grid through the Flatland Energy Storage project, a 200 MW/800 MWh lithium-ion battery system set to go live in 2025.
Future Goals
As part of its Business Plan for 2023-2026, EDP aims to achieve a storage capacity of over 500 MW worldwide. The company is also exploring opportunities to enhance the value of existing assets by integrating new storage solutions with hydro, thermal, wind, and solar technologies.
Addressing Energy Intermittency
Given that wind and solar energy are naturally intermittent, there are times when energy production does not align with demand. Without adequate storage solutions, excess energy generated during low-demand periods risks being wasted. Projects like Harrington Franklin tackle this challenge, ensuring that renewable energy can be stored and accessed when needed, thereby maximizing its value and impact. By storing surplus energy produced during peak hours and using it to maintain a stable supply, these projects also contribute to lower energy prices.
For EDP, a leader in the energy transition focused on renewable generation, storage represents a significant opportunity to enhance its portfolio, enabling growth while mitigating price and profile risks.
Sources
- EDP Renewables – News Release on Harrington Franklin Project
- Energy Storage News – EDP Expands Storage Initiatives
- International Energy Agency – Battery Storage and Renewables
