Norwegian energy company Statkraft is deepening its presence in the UK solar space with the announcement of 3 new solar power farms here. These will be accompanied by battery energy storage systems (BESS).
All 3 projects will bring up a cumulative of 125.5 MW capacity to generate close to 127 GWh of clean energy annually, and supply power to around 36,000 homes.
Two of the projects are planned to come up near White Cross and Treviscoe in Cornwall with an 18 MW battery system, while Greybarn Solar Energy Farm will be located near Bramford substation in Mid-Suffolk. The Greybarn Solar Farm is planned to have 41.5 MW capacity to generate 42 GWh annually, and will have a 55 MW battery.
The company is currently evaluating land to develop the farms, and said batteries can store electricity from solar panels and also provide support services to the national grid.
In a related news from Statkraft group, its UK solar subsidiary, Solarcentury has submitted planning application for 62 MW Elwy Solar Energy Farm, to be stationed near St. Asaph in Denbighshire in the Wales. It has also proposed to add batteries to the project to increase its flexibility. The application is classed as a Development of National Significance (DNS).
In November 2020, Statkraft announced 100% acquisition of British solar developer Solarcentury to expand its global solar project pipeline to 8 GW (see Statkraft To Acquire UK Solar Developer Solarcentury).