Wilson Power Solutions Celebrates the Energisation of the Largest Battery Energy Storage System in the UK

Wilson Power Solutions is proud to have played an important role in the successful completion of Lakeside Energy Park. Built with the backdrop of Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire and energised by the National Grid in early October 2024, this Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is the largest of its kind in the UK. The site boasts a remarkable capacity of 100MW/200MWh, representing a major milestone in the UK’s transition towards renewable energy and the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

A Landmark Project in Renewable Energy

Coinciding with the recent announcement that the nation has ended its 142-year reliance on coal for electricity, Lakeside’s energisation marks a huge step forward towards the government’s decarbonisation commitments. Owned and developed by TagEnergy, with Tesla, Habitat Energy and RES as project partners, Lakeside utilises 52 Tesla Megapacks to enhance grid stability by integrating renewable energy sources, such as onshore and offshore wind energy.

Wilson Power Solutions played a crucial role in the success of this landmark project by supplying a comprehensive transformer solution including:

• 80/106MVA 132/33kV Wilson Power Transformer: Efficiently connecting the BESS site to the grid to export energy from the batteries at times of high demand, and import energy from the grid when there is peak renewable generation.
• 26 x 4.2MVA 33kV/480V Wilson T2 EcoTrans® Large Distribution Transformers: Specially designed with dual MV to optimise the efficiency of the BESS site by connecting to two Tesla Megapacks per transformer. This modular design offers resilience whilst efficiently using the footprint of the site.
• 150kVA 33kV/415V Auxiliary Transformer: Ensuring that site operations run smoothly by supplying necessary power to the infrastructure.

Technical Excellence and Efficiency

The bespoke-built Wilson T2 EcoTrans® large distribution transformers were specifically engineered to work seamlessly with Tesla Megapacks featuring dual MV and are fully compliant with EU Ecodesign Tier 2 transformer loss regulation. The transformers are also equipped with a range of ancillaries including an oil temperature indicator, pressure relief devices and a steel bund designed to contain 110% of the transformer’s oil volume for enhanced safety.

Lakeside’s 52 megapacks utilise Telsa’s Autobidder AI software to optimise the storage and dispatch of electricity. Autobidder analyses real-time data on energy demand, grid conditions, and electricity prices to enable the battery storage system to buy electricity when costs are low, such as periods of high renewable generation and sell it back during peak demand. This system not only maximises the fiscal returns for the asset owner but also enhances grid stability and supports the broader integration of renewable energy sources.

A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Erika Wilson, Managing Director of Wilson Power Solutions, commented on the project’s significance:

“Lakeside BESS is a true testament to the industry’s restless pursuit of Net Zero. Through our long-standing relationship with Tesla, we’re proud to have developed a transformer solution that seamlessly integrates with many of the country’s largest battery energy storage systems. We’re delighted to see these huge steps towards decarbonisation happening here in our home county of Yorkshire.”

Supplying Transformers to over 6.5GW/12GWh of BESS Projects

Following Lakeside’s energisation, Wilson Power Solutions has now supplied over 450 transformers to BESS projects across the UK at the time of writing, including the 4 largest BESS projects by MWh (Lakeside Energy Park – North Yorkshire, Pillswood – East Yorkshire, Clay Tye – Essex, Bumpers – Buckinghamshire).

We’re here to help

For more information about or involvement with battery energy storage systems, check out our BESS sector focus.  If you need further information or additional product details, talk to one of our regional sales managers or please fill out our enquiry form.