Field Energy’s recent acquisition of the 200MW Hartmoor battery storage project from Clearstone Energy is a significant move that underscores the growing momentum behind energy storage solutions in the UK. This project, located just outside Hartlepool, adds to Field’s already impressive portfolio of 11GW of battery storage projects across Europe. With the ability to store up to 800MWh of electricity, Hartmoor can power 500,000 homes for four hours when fully charged. This capability is not just a feather in the cap for Field Energy; it represents a pivotal shift in how we think about energy management in an increasingly renewable landscape.
The urgency to bolster battery storage capacity is palpable. As the UK pushes towards its 2030 clean power target, the Hartmoor project will play a crucial role in balancing electricity supply and demand. It will provide essential services such as frequency regulation, inertia, and overall system stability—elements that are increasingly vital as we integrate more intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar into the grid. Amit Gudka, Field’s chief executive, hit the nail on the head when he stated that battery storage can reduce constraint costs and provide stability at a lower cost than traditional technologies. This is not just about meeting targets; it’s about doing so in a way that benefits consumers and enhances overall grid reliability.
Clearstone Energy’s efforts to expedite the energisation date for Hartmoor from 2033 to 2026 reflect a broader trend in the industry. Collaborating with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to streamline grid connections is a game changer. This kind of cooperation is essential as we strive for a more flexible and responsive energy system. With renewable generation in the northeast projected to surge—thanks to the 3.6GW offshore wind capacity from the Dogger Bank project—Hartmoor is poised to mitigate potential curtailment issues caused by grid inflexibility.
Ben Pratt, founder of Clearstone Energy, rightly pointed out that increasing the UK electricity network’s flexibility through battery storage is critical for achieving ambitious clean power goals. The commitment from NESO to facilitate rapid grid connections indicates a recognition of the urgency to scale up battery storage. This is not just a technical challenge; it’s a matter of national importance as the UK navigates the complexities of its energy transition.
Field’s existing operational projects, alongside those in construction and pre-construction stages, signal a robust commitment to expanding energy storage. Meanwhile, Clearstone’s focus on developing its pipeline of large-scale battery projects ensures that the momentum will continue. The first project in this pipeline, a 400MW/800MWh facility in Devon, is already making strides, having received planning consent.
The synergy between these companies, along with the ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies, paints a promising picture for the future of the UK’s energy landscape. As we look ahead, the role of battery storage will only become more vital in ensuring that the UK not only meets its clean energy targets but does so in a way that is economically viable and sustainable. The call for continued cooperation between the government, Ofgem, and NESO to accelerate battery storage deployment is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity for achieving a net-zero energy system. The future of energy is not just in generating renewables but in smartly storing and managing that energy when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.
