Field, a company specializing in renewable energy infrastructure, has announced the acquisition of the Holmston and Drum Farm energy storage systems from RES.
Located in Ayr (South Ayrshire) and Keith (Moray) respectively, Holmston and Drum Farm have a combined capacity of 100 MW/200 MWh. Once operational, both sites will provide various services to the grid, such as balancing the supply and demand of electricity across the network. This acquisition contributes to decarbonizing energy supply in the UK and increases energy security by utilizing more renewable energy resources. The transaction adds 200 MWh to the 210 MWh of battery capacity planned to be deployed in the coming years.
Currently, Scotland is recognized as the largest producer of renewable energy in the UK. However, there is a lack of adequate grid infrastructure, such as high-voltage direct current substations, needed to transport surplus green energy to areas of demand. Building more storage batteries can better connect renewable energy sources with consumers, reducing energy waste that cannot be transported due to infrastructure limitations. Holmston and Drum Farm will help fill this gap in the grid infrastructure by storing clean electricity when there are surplus resources and minimizing the need for curtailment. A report by Carbon Tracker revealed that the UK wasted enough wind energy last year to power 1 million homes due to congestion and lack of flexibility in the grid, which storage batteries can help solve, ultimately lowering energy bills and increasing energy security.
Field’s batteries are charged when renewable energy generation on the grid is high and discharged during periods when more emission-intensive generation, such as gas-fired power plants, would otherwise be required. This means they can provide “firm” reserve power during times of lower renewable energy generation.
Field plans to deploy an additional 410 MWh of batteries in the next two years, including this new acquisition. The company also has over 4.5 GWh of projects under development or exclusive agreements with partners.
Energy storage is becoming an increasingly essential part of the energy transition. Field’s actions are significant for harnessing the available renewable energy potential in the Scottish market. Investing in storage batteries will allow the utilization of existing renewable potential and help achieve Scotland’s goal of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2045.
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