SSE Renewables has revealed the primary contractor and system supplier for its battery-based energy storage venture at Fiddler’s Ferry, Warrington.
Fluence, a prominent global figure in energy storage technology, digital solutions, and services, has been chosen as the supplier of the battery-based energy storage system for SSE. The project will deploy the Gridstack platform, renowned for its industry-leading safety and reliability.
With Fluence having delivered or contracted over 8.7 GW of energy storage worldwide, including 2 GWh in the UK and Irish markets, it emerges as a highly experienced and trusted partner for SSE Renewables in executing the Fiddler’s Ferry project. Construction is poised to commence at the site in the forthcoming weeks, following SSE Renewables’ final investment decision in December 2023.
OCU Energy, based in Stockport and presently collaborating with SSE Renewables at their Ferrybridge project, will serve as the principal contractor at Fiddler’s Ferry.
Situated at the site of the former SSE-owned coal-fired power station, the 150 MW / 300 MWh battery storage project at Fiddler’s Ferry is a significant step forward. The power station ceased operation in March 2020, with the final demolition of its cooling towers completed at the end of the previous year.
Once operational, the system will store power for release back to the UK National Grid when demand peaks, aiding in managing energy demand fluctuations.
This flexibility facilitates more effective balancing of energy supply and demand and maximizes the potential of renewable technology to power the grid, even during periods when sunlight or wind is lacking.
Richard Cave-Bigley, Director of Solar & Battery at SSE Renewables, expressed, “We are pleased to collaborate once again with OCU Energy and to have Fluence as our battery storage system supplier at Fiddler’s Ferry.”
Brian Perusse, Managing Director of Fluence Energy UK, Ltd, affirmed, “Fluence is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy storage systems that advance the energy transition, and we are proud to collaborate with SSE Renewables on this highly significant project. Fluence has a proven track record of operating systems with high performance levels, and we are dedicated to replicating this success at Fiddler Ferry.”
Vince Bowler, Managing Director of OCU Energy, stated, “We’re honored to execute this contract for SSE Renewables and contribute valuable energy storage to the northwest. Engaging in energy transition initiatives like this locally and nationally brings us closer to achieving net zero.”
