Largest Behind the Meter Battery Storage Installation (2 MW/4.3 MWh)
Challenge
The UKBIC, a leader in battery manufacturing development, faced the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint and operational energy costs. As a facility dedicated to manufacturing energy storage products at scale, it was essential for UKBIC to adopt energy solutions that reflect its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Solution
To address these needs, UKBIC, embarked on a transformative project to install significant roof-top solar panels on its facility roof:
- Roof-top Solar Installation: The project involves transforming the roof into a solar farm capable of generating a peak output of 2.5MW of clean, renewable electricity.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): A 2MW/4.3 MWh containerised BESS was designed to deliver peak demand reduction using the flexibility asset, while also allowing solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used overnight.
Implementation
- Construction Timeline: Initiated in March 2024, with completion aimed for the fourth quarter of 2024.
- Technical Achievement: The roof of the 18,500m^2 facility is set to house nearly 5,000 solar panels and 4 container-size behind-the-meter BESS, making it one of the most substantial installations of its kind in the UK’s industrial sector.
Results
- Energy Cost Savings: This project will significantly decrease energy expenses while providing long-term stability in energy costs.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: The installation is projected to reduce the facility’s carbon emissions by 550 tonnes per year.
Impact
The solar farm and BESS installation at UKBIC will not only support the UK’s net-zero by 2050 goal but also set a precedent in the industry for integrating large behind-the-meter energy storage technologies in a manufacturing industry:
- Innovation Leadership: Reinforces UKBIC’s position as a world leader in battery development that practices what it preaches in terms of green energy utilisation.
- Economic and Environmental Benefits: Demonstrates a successful model of sustainability that reduces operational costs and contributes to environmental conservation.