Global energy storage specialist Eku Energy has announced the completion of commissioning of the Maldon Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located in Maldon in the county of Essex, England. The Maldon BESS is Eku’s first UK project to reach commercial operation.
Batteries used in the Maldon Battery Energy Storage System. Image credit: Eku Energy
Strategically located on the outskirts of London, the Maldon BESS will provide flexibility to enable more renewable generation to connect to and increase the resilience of the UK electricity network.
“The Maldon battery energy storage system is Eku Energy’s first project to reach commercial operation in the United Kingdom, and we are excited to be delivering critical energy storage capability to the UK network,” said Daniel Burrows, CEO of Eku Energy. “Battery energy storage provides important firming capability to increase the grid’s renewable energy hosting capacity. Through our strong local presence in the United Kingdom and our global specialist expertise in energy storage, we are proud to be helping the United Kingdom deliver safe, secure and reliable green energy as we accelerate the energy transition.”
Constructed by Trina Storage and supported by leading independent connection provider (ICP), ESM Power Ltd, the Maldon BESS has a capacity of 40MW/40MWh capable of responding within 350ms, suited to deliver ancillary and balancing services to support both the local and National Grid. The project has also secured a long-term Capacity Market contract. Traded by renowned energy trader EDF, Maldon BESS delivers both commercial benefits and grid services supporting the UK network.
UK Power Networks connected the battery to the local electricity network. Project manager Zhen Wang said, “We play a key role in supporting the country’s transition to Net Zero by ensuring there is sufficient electrical network capacity for customers to connect low carbon technologies such as EVs or renewable generation. Utility batteries are a cornerstone of this strategy, and we were pleased to take part in progressing Eku Energy’s Maldon BESS project.”
Eku Energy combines global expertise in financial and energy markets with specialist technical capabilities, working across the full project life cycle to develop, build, and manage battery storage assets, with a presence in the UK, Australia, Japan and Italy. The Maldon BESS forms part of Eku Energy’s wider portfolio of battery projects in the UK, where the company aims to grow its footprint.