1st Grid-Scale Tesla Energy Storage System In Europe Officially Opened

December 8th, 2016 by James Ayre

Europe’s first grid-scale Tesla Powerpack energy storage system installation was recently officially unveiled in Somerset (England), according to recent reports.

The new Tesla Powerpack installation was designed to store the electricity generated at a solar photovoltaic (PV) project located at the site. The energy storage project, which was developed by Camborne Energy Storage, is intended to provide enough electricity to supply for the needs of about 500 regional households if necessary.

The UK’s Energy Minister Baroness Neville Rolfe attended the recent unveiling event and stated:

“We welcome this exciting project from Tesla and Camborne. Innovation in storage technologies will help manage our electricity grid more efficiently, support greater energy security and, crucially, drive down consumer bills.

“Our upcoming industrial strategy will build on this work further, working with businesses to ensure the UK continues to be at the forefront of low-carbon technology, creating the conditions for future success.”

Business Green provides more: “The industry has been calling on the government to provide a clearer policy landscape for energy storage projects and take steps to accelerate investment in the sector. However, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark delivered a boost for the fledgling industry last month, delivering a speech in which he argued energy storage and smart grid technologies would play a critical role in the UK’s energy system in the future and launching a call for evidence on how smart systems should be developed.”

The managing director at developer Camborne Energy Storage, Dan Taylor, commented at the recent unveiling as well: “Camborne is pleased to have developed Europe’s first Tesla grid scale installation by co-locating with a solar farm in Somerset, England. This project is already commercially operational providing low carbon power during times of high demand. Our first co-located site is an early step in the right direction, both for Camborne and for the industry and we look forward to continuing to deliver further low carbon power to the UK.”

As a close to this article, it’s worth noting here that Tesla’s Powerpack (and Powerwall) prices have dropped dramatically since the energy storage systems first hit the market, while energy density has doubled.

Photo by Camborne Energy











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