One of Europe’s largest battery storage facilities given green light following GSF acquisition

Kona Energy has agreed a deal with Gore Street Energy Storage Fund (GSF) for a 200MW project in North West England, which when constructed will be one of the biggest battery storage facilities in Europe.

Kona has secured all the necessary rights, including grid connection and planning consents – it is fully prepared for construction.

The project will save 45,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum, the equivalent of taking 15,000 cars off the road per year. It has been strategically located in Heysham to participate in multiple energy markets, with its location at the landing point of six offshore wind farms, including one of the world’s largest, the Walney wind farm.

Andy Willis, Kona Energy Founder, commented:

“Kona is delighted to complete this acquisition with GSF - the construction of this project will be a historic landmark on the path to Net Zero.”

“Avoiding significant energy disruption this winter is the immediate priority, but completing projects like this one will ensure that these challenges are not repeated. A vast amount of clean energy is wasted as the network is unable to manage increasing levels of intermittent generation. Batteries store energy during times of high renewable output and then release that into the grid when required - increasing our energy independence, reducing costly waste and cutting bills for families across the country.”

“Kona will continue to work with GSF and National Grid to get this project online as quickly as is feasibly possible. I commend the Grid’s recent approach in pragmatically managing the grid connection queue and a project like this should benefit from that sensible policy.”

"To work with one of the UK’s leading energy storage investors on one of Europe’s largest battery storage projects will secure Kona’s reputation as a leading clean energy development company. We have several other ongoing projects which we hope to be construction-ready in the very near future.” 

“Warnings of potential blackouts underline the necessity of these facilities. With the global situation as uncertain as it is, ensuring that we have sufficient clean energy generation and storage capabilities operational for our country has to be a top priority for the new administration - I’m pleased that Kona can play a significant role in that.”