Black & Veatch to Lead Development of 200MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems in the UK
- 18-Feb-2025 5:45 PM
- Journalist: Lucy Terry
Black & Veatch, a global leader in critical infrastructure solutions, has been selected to play a crucial role in the development of two major battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the United Kingdom. These projects, with a combined energy storage capacity of 200MWh, represent a significant step forward in the UK's transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy grid. As the Owner's Engineer (OE) and Technical Advisor (TA), Black & Veatch will provide expert guidance and oversight throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring the successful integration of these BESS facilities into the UK's energy infrastructure.
The increasing global demand for sustainable energy sources has highlighted the critical role of battery storage in ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. BESS technology enables the efficient integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are inherently intermittent, into the grid. By storing excess energy generated during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak demand, BESS helps balance the grid and ensures a continuous flow of electricity.
Robbie Gibson, Associate Vice President and Director of Renewables and Grid Solutions for Black & Veatch in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the company's extensive experience in the energy storage sector. With a portfolio of over 21GWh of global energy storage projects, Black & Veatch brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to these UK-based initiatives. Gibson highlighted the company's commitment to delivering sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, emphasizing the role of BESS in enhancing grid resilience and optimizing plant performance.
As the OE and TA, Black & Veatch will act as an independent advisor, providing technical expertise and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. This includes reviewing and providing feedback on contractor deliverables, offering technical advice, monitoring construction progress, and ensuring adherence to project schedules. Black & Veatch's expert oversight will be instrumental in guaranteeing that both BESS projects are designed, developed, and constructed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.
These projects align with Black & Veatch's broader commitment to supporting the global energy transition and advancing clean energy technologies. The company has a proven track record of success in energy storage and grid solutions, having worked on numerous projects across Europe and the Middle East with a combined energy capacity of 4GWh. Black & Veatch's expertise in the sector enables them to provide value-added services that optimize performance, mitigate risks, and accelerate project timelines.
The 200MWh BESS projects are expected to play a pivotal role in the UK's efforts to decarbonize its energy grid and increase the utilization of renewable energy sources. These initiatives also underscore the growing importance of energy storage in the global transition towards sustainable energy systems. By providing essential grid balancing services and facilitating the integration of renewable energy, BESS technology is becoming increasingly vital for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future.
Black & Veatch's involvement in these UK-based BESS projects marks another significant milestone in the company's mission to support sustainable energy practices and contribute to the development of a more resilient and reliable global energy infrastructure. The company's expertise and commitment to innovation are helping to drive the adoption of energy storage solutions, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.