Wilson Power Solutions supplies transformers to three largest BESS in Europe

April 17th 2024

Projects

Sustainability

T2 Ecotrans distribution transformers Pillswood BESS

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a key role in driving decarbonisation objectives based on two key trends:

  • Renewable energy growth to accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels, with the UK government aiming for up to 240 GW of renewables by 2050

  • Electricity demand growth due to increased electrification of transport and heating

Wilson Power Solutions designs and manufactures the full range of transformers required in BESS projects. We have worked with leading industry developers to deliver transformers that enable the delivery of landmark projects across the UK and Europe.

We have supplied Wilson T2 Ecotrans® Distribution Transformers to 3 joint-largest BESS projects in Europe

Clay Tye Battery Energy Storage Site

Situated in Essex, Clay Tye boasts a total capacity of 99MW/198MWh, solidifying its status as Europe’s joint-largest operational project of its kind. With this capacity, Clay Tye can power over 300,000 UK homes for two-hour intervals.

Equipped with 52 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries and Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for efficient project management and energy capacity sharing, Clay Tye integrates seamlessly into the UK Power Networks distribution network using 26 of our 4.2MVA 33kV/480V-480V Wilson T2 Ecotrans® Distribution Transformers and 2 of 150kVA 33kV/415V Auxiliary Transformers.

Wilson distribution transformers were the perfect choice for the project. They are Ecodesign compliant, custom-designed to satisfy the project's needs, integrate perfectly with Tesla Megapacks, and are manufactured in accordance with internationally recognised standards (BS and IEC). This makes them the ideal choice for large-scale battery energy storage projects.

wilson t2 ecotrans distribution transformers at clay tye bess
Wilson T2 Ecotrans Distribution Transformers at Clay Tye BESS

Bumpers Battery Energy Storage Site

Energised in October 2023 with a capacity of 99MW/198MWh. Located in Princes Risborough, Bumpers Farm consists of fifty-six Tesla two-hour duration Megapacks connected to twenty-eight 4200kVA 33kV/480V-480V Wilson T2 Ecotrans® Large Distribution Transformers and two 150kVA 33kV/415V Wilson Auxiliary Transformers.

Surrounded by a 17.5MW Solar Photovoltaics Farm, the BESS site features white Tesla Megapacks alongside our moss-green transformers. Tesla managed the project's construction, which Harmony Energy developed for Harmony Energy Income Trust Plc.

Wilson t2 distribution transformers at bess solar bumpers
T2 Ecotrans Distribution Transformers at Bumpers BESS & Solar Farm

Pillswood Battery Energy Storage Site

98MW/ 196MWh of battery energy storage system in East Yorkshire went live in November 2022, making it the largest BESS project by MWh at the point of energisation. Pillswood consists of 78 Tesla Megapacks and Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for real-time trading and control.

We provided 40x 2.8MVA 33kV/480V Wilson T2 Ecotrans® Distribution Transformers for the BESS site. The white-painted transformers sit in bunds and are fitted with de-energised tap changers, oil temperature indicators, magnetic oil level gauges, pressure relief devices and other ancillaries.

T2 distribution transformers at BESS Pillswood
T2 distribution transformers at BESS Pillswood