• FRV and Harmony have begun construction of Clay Tye, a 198MWh battery energy storage system
  • It is one of the UK’s largest battery storage plants in development by MWh
  • Clay Tye uses 52 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries along with Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for energy capacity exchange and efficient project management

Global renewable energy business, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, and UK developer Harmony Energy, have announced the initial construction of Clay Tye, one of the UK’s largest battery storage projects in development.

The Clay Tye site is located in Essex and will have a total power of 99 MW / 198 MWh, making it one of the largest projects of its kind under construction in the UK.  Clay Tye follows the successful completion of FRV and Harmony Energy’s West-Sussex based battery storage facility, Contego, which has a capacity of 34 MW / 68 MWh.  It also follows the completion of FRV’s Dorset-based Holes Bay battery energy storage project, which has a capacity of 7.5 MW / 15 MWh.

The project reflects FRV’s long-term investment plan to develop energy storage projects globally in countries like Australia, Mexico, Chile and Spain.

Clay Tye uses 52 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries along with Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for energy capacity exchange and efficient project management.  Megapack batteries have a capacity of 15 MWh and are connected to the Southern Electric Power distribution network, providing the capability to store energy from renewable sources and afford peak-time flexibility to the UK National Grid as part of the UK’s continuing shift away from fossil fuels.

Both FRV and Harmony Energy expect the BESS plant to be finished and operational during the first quarter of 2023.  

Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, said:

“We are always looking for opportunities to spearhead the move to a more sustainable future.  Today, we are collaborating with Harmony Energy to commence the construction of Clay Tye, which highlights our commitment to tackling climate change in a tangible and sustainable way.  The energy transition has always been a core priority for us, and we are working hand-in-hand with the right partners to develop an energy system that is more sustainable, secure and affordable.”

Felipe Hernández, FRV Managing Director of Engineering and FRV-X has stated:

“Clay Tye is going to be a significant milestone in our growth objective in the UK energy storage market.  This BESS strengthens the long-term sustainability of our business model and our leadership position in the market.  In this way, we are continuing the path for the future FRV’s assets in the country, which are in the commercial operation, construction and development phase.”

Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy CEO, said:

“This is another significant milestone in our continued growth, and we are pleased to be working alongside FRV once again.  Clay Tye has taken 6 years to reach this stage.  It is one of the largest projects of its kind in the UK and will contribute to future energy security whilst supporting decarbonization of the grid.”

David Menéndez, Head of FRV-X affirms:

“We are proud to start construction of one of the UK´s largest battery storage development by MWh and contribute to this country´s decarbonization.”

Recently, FRV-X, the innovation and venturing division of FRV, became a major investor in Evergen after closing a A$15 million Series-B fundraise.  Evergen is a market leading renewable energy software business that optimizes the performance of residential, commercial, and utility-scale battery systems. Batteries are then orchestrated in fleets enabling network operators, retailers and others to use these systems as virtual power plants (VPPs).