DONG Energy to launch battery solution at offshore wind farm

DONG Energy has announced plans to offer frequency response from its existing Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm using a combination of wind power and battery yesterday.

The addition of the 2MW battery system, set to be installed by the end of the year, will enhance the capability of the 90MW wind farm. It will be the first time an offshore wind farm is integrated with a battery system to deliver frequency response to the grid.

Frequency response is a mechanism used by National Grid to help manage grid stability. The frequency of the grid is a continuously changing variable which must remain close to 50Hz. If the frequency was to deviate from these limits, it would affect everything plugged into the grid, from home appliances to power stations. The ability to inject or reduce bursts of active power allows the grid to rapidly respond to changes in frequency. 

Richard Smith, Head of Network Capability (electricity) for National Grid said: “As Great Britain’s energy mix changes, we know that ensuring a safe and stable supply of energy into future will require more flexible services.  I’m looking forward to seeing how the DONG Energy solution of storage connected to the offshore wind farm will provide services to help us respond to day-to-day operational challenges and maintain the frequency of 50 Hz on Great Britain’s electricity system.”

Combining a battery system with a wind farm can provide fast and less costly frequency support and thus save money for electricity consumers.

Ole Kjems Sørensen, Senior Vice President, Partnerships/M&A and Asset Management, said: “The need for flexibility is expected to grow, and as a low-carbon leader, we’re keen to be part of the solution to make the energy system smarter,” and he continued:

“We already offer leading flexibility products to our business customers, and now we’re focusing on enhancing what we offer on the generation side to help National Grid manage grid stability.”

“We’re excited to use battery technology to demonstrate this wind power and battery hybrid capability. With eight existing offshore wind farms in the UK and another four under construction, we expect to leverage further technology improvements and innovations and ensure that DONG Energy supports the stability of grid systems as generation capacity becomes cleaner and more sustainable,“ Ole Kjems Sørensen concluded.

The 2MW battery system will be supplied by ABB. Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm has been fully operational since 2007 and is capable of supplying up to 80,000 UK homes.