Ørsted invests in battery energy storage for Hornsea 3 offshore windfarm

The storage system, for which Ørsted has now taken final investment decision, has a capacity of 600 MWh and a 300-MW power rating, equivalent to the daily energy use of 80,000 UK homes. The system, supplied by Tesla, will be installed on the same site as the onshore converter station for Hornsea 3, in Swardeston, near Norwich.

When it is windy and sunny, so that electricity generation exceeds demand, the battery will store the excess so it can be discharged later to help balance the grid. This will reduce price volatility for consumers as it will make more power available, including during peak periods, when energy is traditionally more expensive. It will also result in UK energy systems being easier to manage by helping smooth out the variations between supply and demand. When complete, the battery energy storage system will be one of the largest in Europe. It will be operational by the end of 2026.

With the battery energy storage system, Ørsted is investing in a grid-balancing technology which is a natural add-on to its offshore wind power generation business and will provide complementary services while supporting the continued build-out of renewable energy infrastructure. 

Ørsted head of UK and Ireland, Duncan Clark said, “Our 12 existing UK offshore windfarms are providing a huge amount of clean energy to the grid. The battery will help ensure that renewable energy is used in the best possible way by storing it when demand is lower and then releasing it back into the system when it’s really needed. This maximises the potential of renewable energy while providing increased energy security and value to consumers.”

Tesla senior director Megapack Mike Snyder said Tesla is excited to be part of the project. He said it demonstrates the value and flexibility of the company’s power electronics, “providing enhanced grid stability and enabling more renewables on the grid.”