The United Kingdom has taken a significant step forward in its energy transition with the activation of its largest transmission-connected Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Lakeside battery project, situated in the village of Drax, North Yorkshire, England, commenced operations on Monday, utilizing Tesla’s advanced Megapack 2XL units.
This groundbreaking project boasts an impressive capacity of 100MW/200MWh and is operated by TagEnergy in partnership with Tesla, Habitat Energy, and RES. The facility successfully completed its commissioning switching program, seamlessly coordinating efforts between on-site personnel and National Grid engineers.
The Lakeside project incorporates cutting-edge technology, including Tesla’s Autobidder AI software, which manages the buying and selling of electricity at optimal times to meet demand and control costs. This integration of advanced energy storage and intelligent management systems represents a significant leap forward in the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Franck Woitiez, CEO of TagEnergy, highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “For a while, Lakeside will be the largest transmission-connected BESS project in the UK, and it is an important project that truly moves the needle for the energy transition.” He further emphasized the efficiency of the project’s delivery and its successful connection to the National Grid’s transmission network without significant delays or operating issues.
This development comes at a time when Tesla’s energy storage business is experiencing substantial growth. The company recently surpassed its total battery deployments for 2023, with the entire fourth quarter still ahead. Tesla’s energy division has become its highest-margin business, with the third quarter of 2023 marking its second-strongest performance to date, deploying 6.9GWh of storage.
The Lakeside project is not an isolated endeavor in the UK. Tesla and TagEnergy have collaborated on other significant projects, including a 49MW/98MWh installation near Abernathy, Scotland. Additionally, plans were announced in June for a new BESS project at Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm in Eastern England, which is set to feature an impressive 600MWh of Megapacks.
These developments collectively underscore the UK’s commitment to integrating renewable energy and enhancing grid stability. By embracing large-scale energy storage solutions, the country is positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to sustainable energy systems.
