Ørsted Powers Up the UK with a Groundbreaking Energy Storage Revolution

A Golden Shovel for a Greener Future

Ørsted, the global titan of offshore wind energy, has officially broken ground on its first large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the UK. The ceremonial golden shovel moment marks the start of a project that promises to reshape the UK’s energy landscape. Located near Norwich, Norfolk, the BESS will sit alongside Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm, a powerhouse of renewable energy.

With a staggering capacity of 600 MWh and a 300 MW power rating, this system will store enough energy to power 80,000 UK homes daily. Named Iceni after the ancient warrior tribe of Norfolk, the project is set to become one of Europe’s largest battery storage systems by the time it goes live in late 2026.

A Game-Changer for the UK’s Energy Grid

The Iceni project isn’t just about storing energy—it’s about redefining how the UK’s energy grid operates. Beatrice d’Eufemia, Project Manager at Ørsted, highlights the groundbreaking nature of the project: “This is a milestone for Ørsted and the UK energy industry. By sharing a grid connection between two generators, we’re unlocking the potential to maximize existing infrastructure and tackle the growing issue of grid congestion.”

When renewable energy generation exceeds demand, the BESS will store the surplus, releasing it when needed to balance the grid. This innovative approach ensures that no clean energy goes to waste, making the UK’s renewable energy systems more efficient and resilient.

Collaboration at Its Finest

The Iceni project is a testament to collaboration. Ørsted has teamed up with Knights Brown and Tesla to bring this vision to life. Preparatory works are already complete, and the team is now focused on the installation phase. With Tesla’s cutting-edge battery technology at its core, the project is poised to set new standards for energy storage in Europe.

As the UK races toward its net-zero targets, projects like Iceni are critical. They not only bolster the nation’s energy security but also pave the way for a future where renewable energy is the backbone of the grid.