AES UK & Ireland has completed the 10MW Kilroot Advancion energy storage array at Kilroot power station in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.

AES said the array, made of 53,000 batteries arranged in 136 separate nodes, uses the Advancion 4 energy storage solution and aims to enhance grid reliability by providing fast response ancillary services, such as frequency regulation. The company said :

“With more efficient balancing of supply and demand, energy storage will lower costs to consumers, unlock the value of existing renewables, and improve the security of supply.”

It is the first step towards a planned 100MW energy storage array adjacent to Kilroot.

AES Energy Storage president John Zahurancik commented:

“As the UK and the Republic of Ireland look for innovative ways to strengthen the electric grid while reducing costs and system-wide emissions, we’re pleased to deliver Advancion as a part of the solution.”

Separately, Innovate UK Energy Catalyst is providing funding, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, to demonstrate the full capabilities of energy storage by analysing the impact of this array. The consortium also includes SONI, NIE Networks and the Utility Regulator.