Centrica to build 50-MW/100-MWh battery at former gas-powered station

UK energy services company Centrica PLC (LON:CNA) on Monday unveiled plans to convert a former gas-fired power station in the East Midlands of England into a site hosting a 50-MW/100-MWh battery energy storage facility.

Construction of the battery system has been initiated within the decommissioned Lincolnshire gas-fired power station. The project is being executed through a partnership with General Electric (NYSE:GE), which will supply the technology, and Centrica Business Solutions.

Once in operation in late 2023, the battery at Brigg will store electricity generated by 43 onshore wind farms across Lincolnshire and discharge during periods of high demand, thus providing resilience services for the local grid. The facility will have the storage capacity to supply the full-day energy needs of around 11,000 homes, equal to 15% of the households in North Lincolnshire.

Centrica noted that the two-hour duration technology will enable it to modify the duration of the facility in response to future grid needs and market opportunities.

"As the UK’s power generation capacity becomes more distributed and the share of renewables increases, generation flexibility becomes critical to keep the lights on securely, sustainably, and affordably,” said Greg McKenna, managing director of Centrica Business Solutions.

Centrica noted that the project represents its largest investment in storage capacity so far.

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