Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, has completed the commissioning of phase one at Neilston Greener Grid Park in Scotland, marking the company's first grid-forming battery project and one of the first grid-forming schemes in the UK to enter commercial operation.

The project centers on a 50 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and forms part of more than USD 2.54 billion that Statkraft has invested in the UK's renewable infrastructure since entering the market in 2006.

Why Grid-Forming Batteries Matter

Grid-forming batteries such as those at Neilston Greener Grid Park provide stability services when there is disruption to the electricity network. Historically, the electricity grid maintained its stability by relying on large spinning turbines in fossil fuel and hydropower generation. These turbines have embedded rotational energy, known as inertia, which provides uninterrupted power during changes in generation or demand.

As more renewables, such as wind and solar, connect to Great Britain's electricity grid, lower-cost and lower-carbon solutions are needed to maintain grid inertia and system strength. Batteries can deliver other essential grid services at a low cost, including frequency response, voltage control, and balancing services.

Energy Security and Consumer Bills

According to Statkraft, batteries are essential to the country's evolving energy infrastructure. By storing excess wind and solar power, BESS schemes increase the use of home-grown energy and strengthen energy security, reducing reliance on expensive, volatile imported gas and leading to more stable bills for consumers and businesses.

Community Benefits Near Neilston

The scheme also brings local benefits. Statkraft was the first company to voluntarily provide dedicated community benefit funds for BESS and grid stability projects, beginning from the construction phase.

Over USD 63,500 has already been distributed to community groups close to Neilston Greener Grid Park, with a focus on supporting initiatives that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon society.

Further Grid Stability Projects in the Pipeline

Statkraft has additional grid stability projects under construction. These include a second grid-forming BESS scheme at Coylton in East Ayrshire, and two large synchronous compensator schemes, at Swansea in Wales and Necton in Norfolk, delivered as part of NESO's Stability Pathfinder Three.

Industry Reaction

Kevin O'Donovan, Statkraft's UK and Ireland Country Manager, said innovative projects like Neilston Greener Grid Park will help move away from fossil fuels to a low-carbon electricity system, stabilising consumer bills and strengthening Great Britain's energy security.

"Urgent action is needed to transform our electricity grid and make it fit for the future," he said. "This scheme will enable more renewables to be connected to it, which will help mitigate the worsening impacts of our changing climate."

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