New Zealand

Tiln Energy Storage Project

Project key numbers

25MW/50MWh

battery energy storage system

2hr

duration

26

containers

61MWp

solar project co-located

Current status

Site selection

Preliminary assessment design

Planning application

Discharge of planning conditions

Construction

Operation

Ownership transferred

Safe, sustainable, clean energy for UK communities

Lightsource bp has developed and constructed a 25MW/50MWh (two-hour duration) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on it’s 61MWp Tiln Farm solar project.

The energy storage system is connected to the grid via the 132kV substation on site, and is be charged from the grid, in addition to using re-routed solar energy generated at Tiln. Revenue will initially be generated by providing ancillary services for grid stability, which enables deeper penetration of renewables, greater flexibility, and contributes positively to energy security.

The Tiln energy storage project is the first of Lightsource bp’s multi-gigawatt storage pipeline to reach construction. The battery is equipped with advanced safety features, with individual battery units within each container that are sealed and monitored, with their own fire suppression systems. This means that if one cell fails, the majority of the container unit is protected and the problem is contained to a much smaller section of the battery. The set-up of this model of battery is a marked improvement on earlier generations of battery energy storage safety systems, which is one of the reasons it was selected for this project.

In August 2024 the Tiln Energy Storage project, and the Tiln Solar project were acquired by specialist renewable investment manager Schroders Greencoat.

Tiln Energy Storage project pictured during late-stage construction