BW ESS has officially switched on what it’s calling ‘the largest battery energy storage system in the UK, with the system located near Bramley in Hampshire.
The 100 MW/331 MWh energy storage facility officially became operational on February 18, and has been connected to the grid to take part in the balancing mechanism and decrease the amount of curtailment that is needed for renewable energy assets.
It is the first project in Europe to be equipped with Sungrow’s PowerTitan 2.0 liquid-cooled technology, giving it one of the longest operational durations in the UK. The system is capable of meeting the average daily electricity needs of around 44,000 homes.
It’s possible that BW ESS’ new facility is the largest battery energy storage system in Europe, with it taking the crown of UK’s largest from TagEnergy’s 100 MW / 200 MWh facility located in Drax, North Yorkshire. It was connected to the grid using a loop-in and loop-out Extra High Voltage solution.
“This is a landmark moment for BW ESS’ UK roll-out, and a notable project in the context of the UK’s energy transition,” said Erik Strømsø, CEO of BW ESS.
“Bramley is a state-of-the-art, pioneering project aligned with our mission to unlock the value of energy storage. I’m grateful that so many of our peers and partners were able to join us to mark the occasion.”
“We are proud to see the Bramley BESS reach commercial operation,” added Richard Thwaites, Executive Director and Head of UK for BW ESS. “This reflects the dedication and expertise of the project team, as well as strong collaboration with local communities and authorities, whose engagement has been invaluable throughout the project’s development.”
The Bramley BESS forms part of BW ESS’ wider UK investment programme. In 2024, the company signed a seven-year tolling agreement with Shell Energy Europe Limited, billed as a market-first deal for a single battery storage asset in Europe.
“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,” said Rupen Tanna, Head of Power at Shell Energy Europe Limited.
“We are proud to partner with BW ESS on this groundbreaking project,” commented Shawn Shi, President of Sungrow Europe.
“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.”
