Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), the global renewable energy business that is part of Saudi Arabia-based Abdul Latif Jameel Energy and UK developer Harmony Energy, has begun initial construction on Clay Tye, which is billed as one of the UK’s largest battery storage projects in development.
The project is said to reflect FRV’s long-term investment plan to develop energy storage projects globally in countries like Australia, Mexico, Chile and Spain. In March 2022, Abdul Latif Jameel Energy said it signed a deal to supply clean energy in Australia.
In a statement, Abdul Latif Jameel said the Clay Tye site is located in Essex and will have a total power of 99 MW/198MWh, making it one of the largest of its kind under construction in the country. The project follows the successful completion of FRV and Harmony Energy’s West-Sussex based battery storage facility, Contego, which has a capacity of 34 MW/68MWh, and FRV’s Dorset-based Holes Bay battery energy storage project, which has a capacity of 7.5 MW/15MWh.
Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, said, “We are always looking for opportunities to spearhead the move to a more sustainable future. Today, we are collaborating with Harmony Energy to commence the construction of Clay Tye, which highlights our commitment to tackling climate change in a tangible and sustainable way. The energy transition has always been a core priority for us, and we are working hand-in-hand with the right partners to develop an energy system that is more sustainable, secure and affordable.”
Clay Tye uses 52 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries along with Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for energy capacity exchange and efficient project management. Megapack batteries have a capacity of 15MWh and are connected to the Southern Electric Power 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 UK’s continuing shift away from fossil fuels.
FRV and Harmony Energy expect the BESS plant to be finished and operational during Q1, 2023.
Felipe Hernández, FRV Managing Director of Engineering and FRV-X added, “Clay Tye is going to be a significant milestone in our growth objective in the UK energy storage market. This BESS strengthens the long-term sustainability of our business model and our leadership position in the market. In this way, we are continuing the path for the future FRV’s assets in the country, which are in the commercial operation, construction and development phase.”
In November 2021, TRSDC finalised a utility deal with ACWA Power to 100% power The Red Sea Project with renewable energy, while in March 2022, DHL opened its first-ever electric vehicle and battery logistics hub in Dubai.
