Independent power producer Matrix Renewables has entered into a comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with Tesla to build, design and commission a standalone battery energy storage system (BESS), located in Eccles, Scotland.
The 500 megawatt (MW)/2 hour (1 gigawatt hour (GWh)) BESS project is designed to directly advance UK’s Net Zero 2050 goal and the Clean Power 2035 objective.
Situated on major transmission routes between Scotland and England, the Eccles BESS is intended to deliver essential grid flexibility and support higher levels of renewable integration.
All planning requirements have been met, and the project has received full approval to begin construction.
Tesla energy vice president Mike Snyder said: “We are excited to support Matrix Renewables with their entry into the UK, bringing Tesla’s track record in the market together with Matrix Renewables’ expertise and vision.
“We highly value the partnership with their team and look forward to executing this landmark project together.”
The project is backed by an advisory team, with Enertis Applus+ leading technical due diligence, GHD serving as the technical advisor, and Black & Veatch acting as the owner’s engineer.
Collectively, these partners are expected to ensure the “highest” technical and delivery standards across the project’s entire lifecycle, stated Matrix Renewables.
This project represents Matrix Renewables’ first standalone BESS project the UK market.
It also marks Matrix’s foray into the UK and stands among its largest energy storage developments in Europe and worldwide so far.
Matrix Renewables Europe & Latam managing director Sergio Arbeláez said: “We are delivering infrastructure at the scale required to support the UK’s transition to a clean, secure, and resilient power system.
“This installation demonstrates our ability to execute complex, utility-scale storage projects through strong partnerships and a long-term strategic vision.”
The company is expanding UK portfolio, aiming to add up to 3GW of capacity across renewable generation, energy storage, and emerging technologies over the next several years.
In April this year, Matrix Renewables and rPlus Energies commissioned Pleasant Valley Solar 1, a solar power generation facility in Ada County in the US state of Idaho.
