Orsted, a leading renewable energy company, has announced plans to invest in a significant battery energy storage system (BESS) to be co-located with its Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm in England. The project marks a major step in integrating large-scale energy storage with offshore wind power.
The Tesla-supplied BESS will be installed at the onshore converter station for Hornsea 3 in Swardeston, near Norwich, Norfolk. This strategic placement minimizes environmental impact and disruption to local communities. The system boasts an impressive 600 MWh capacity with a 300 MW power rating, capable of meeting the daily energy needs of approximately 80,000 UK homes.
This storage solution aims to address the intermittency of renewable energy by storing excess electricity during periods of high wind and solar generation. The stored energy can then be discharged when demand outstrips supply, helping to balance the grid and reduce price volatility for consumers, particularly during peak demand periods.
Duncan Clark, Head of UK & Ireland at Orsted, emphasized the project’s significance in expanding the company’s storage portfolio alongside its extensive offshore wind operations in the UK. Mike Snyder, Senior Director of Megapack at Tesla, highlighted the system’s ability to enhance grid stability and facilitate greater renewable energy integration.
The BESS is expected to be operational by late 2026, adding to Orsted’s growing energy storage capacity. The company currently has 660 MW (1,850 MWh) of storage projects in operation or under construction in the UK and US, with plans to develop an additional 2+ GW storage pipeline across these markets and Ireland.
While financial details were not disclosed, this investment underscores Orsted’s commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure and grid resilience in the UK, which remains a key market for the company’s offshore wind developments.