Cero Generation and Enso Energy have recently achieved financial close on their pioneering 50MW battery project, set to be located in Gloucestershire, England. The development is scheduled to be operational by late 2024 and will be co-located with the 50MW Larks Green solar farm, a joint venture between the two companies that began operations earlier in May.
This battery project aims to enhance the UK's energy system by effectively aligning renewable energy generation with demand. It will store surplus clean energy during periods of excess supply and make it available during times of scarcity or heightened demand. By sharing the same connection point as the solar farm, the battery will optimize the efficiency of the site and connect to the transmission network. This integration will enable a larger output of clean energy, leading to reduced costs for consumers while ensuring a secure and reliable power supply.
Rabobank, the financial institution that provided funding for the Larks Green solar plant, has also financed the battery project. This collaboration has not only facilitated the successful completion of the project but has also fostered long-term partnerships. Canadian Solar, a key player in the industry, has been appointed as the lead for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the site, while EDF will serve as the facility's performance optimizer.
For Cero Generation, this achievement represents a significant milestone as their first battery project to reach financial close. The partnership with Enso Energy has been instrumental in their development pipeline, which encompasses over 30 standalone or co-located battery projects totaling more than 2GW, within the UK.
To optimize the site's performance, Cero has entrusted EDF with the task of leveraging its trading platform. Through this platform, the battery project will have access to various revenue streams, including the balancing mechanism, wholesale optimization, and ancillary services.
Larks Green solar farm holds the distinction of being the UK's first transmission-connected solar farm. The transmission grid connection offers the advantage of transporting clean energy over longer distances and enables larger-scale projects to seamlessly connect to the grid.
With this successful funding achievement, Cero Generation and Enso Energy have taken a significant step forward in their commitment to sustainable energy development in the UK. The implementation of this battery project, alongside the Larks Green solar farm, highlights the ongoing progress towards a greener and more resilient energy infrastructure.
