Second UK Tesla Megapack installation announced for West Sussex

Following the successful deployment of the UK’s first Megapack installation in Dorset, a second installation has been announced for West Sussex.

The West Sussex site will once again see Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) install a Tesla Megapack solution on behalf of Harmony Energy. This installation will be notably bigger than the one in Dorset, however, maxing out at 68MWh of capacity. 

Construction on the project is set to begin this month, with 28 Tesla Megapack systems being installed in Contego, just outside of Burgess Hill in West Sussex. Upon completion, it will be one of the largest battery energy storage plants in the UK and utilise Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for real-time trading and control. 

The Contego Tesla Megapack plant will be connected to the UK Power Networks distribution network, providing the capability to store energy from renewable sources and afford peak-time flexibility to the UK National Grid as part of the country’s continuing shift away from fossil fuels.

Peter Kavanagh, CEO of Harmony Energy, commented, “The completion of Holes Bay and now closing the funding and construction contracts for Contego are exciting developments – particularly considering the added challenges of developing these projects during the current pandemic.

“There is real momentum in the development of subsidy-free, utility scale battery storage in the UK as we continue the shift towards a greener economy. The value of battery storage in providing flexibility to the grid continues to increase as the UK’s penetration of renewable energy grows.

“With support from FRV and Tesla, Harmony Energy is at the forefront of this shift. We have more than 500MW of battery energy storage plants construction-ready in the UK, and we are excited to be able to start work on this next scheme alongside FRV.”

Mikel de Irala, managing director of MEA and UK for FRV, added, “Contego continues FRV’s projection in the storage systems sector and it will become one of the most advanced and innovative storage systems in the UK. We are pleased to keep working together with Harmony Energy to further develop our activities and demonstrate FRV’s commitment and interest in the development of the UK’s strategic sustainable energy program.”