Tesla’s first European network scale battery system opened in UK

The first grid scale installation of Tesla’s Powerpack battery system has been completed at a site in Somerset, UK.

UK Energy Minister Baroness Neville Rolfe attended the official unveiling of the project, which was developed by Camborne Energy Storage at a solar farm in the county.

The combined solar and battery installation is capable of providing power for more than 500 homes.

Camborne  co-located the batteries with a ground mounted solar PV site.

With Tesla’s Powerpack technology, energy produced from renewables such as wind and solar can be stored for later use. Stored power can be transferred to the grid in case of a sudden demand for electricity.

Energy storage systems can complement renewables, when there is no wind or in case of less sun shine.

The UK government plans to harness the potential of energy storage and other flexible technologies for the development of a smart, efficient and productive electricity system which can bring a future of low carbon energy.

Neville-Rolfe said: “We welcome this exciting project from Tesla and Camborne. Innovation in storage technologies will help manage our electricity grid more efficiently, support greater energy security and, crucially, drive down consumer bills.

“Our upcoming industrial Strategy will build on this work further, working with businesses to ensure the UK continues to be at the forefront of low-carbon technology, creating the conditions for future success.”

Camborne Energy Storage managing director Dan Taylor said: “This project is already commercially operational providing low carbon power during times of high demand.

“Our first co-located site is an early step in the right direction, both for Camborne and for the industry and we look forward to continuing to deliver further low carbon power to the UK.”

Image: Camborne Energy Storage managing director Dan Taylor; Energy Minister Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe; Tesla UK Manager Edward Sargent and Poweri Managing Director Chris Roberts. Photo: Courtesy of Crown copyright.