Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO)
Cowley, Oxford, England · 2021–Present (Activated June 2021) [1]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchESO is a pioneering project demonstrating how large-scale battery storage can support grid stability, enable more renewable energy integration, and provide rapid response services to the grid. It is a key part of a wider project to decarbonize Oxford. [1] [2]
Key engineering challenges
Integrating two different battery technologies (lithium-ion and vanadium redox flow) into a single hybrid system. [2] - Directly connecting a large-scale battery storage system to the National Grid's transmission network. [1] - Optimizing battery performance and grid services through advanced software and AI. [1]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Pivot Power (part of EDF Renewables), Wärtsilä, Habitat Energy [1]
- Lead contractor
- Wärtsilä (technology provider), Pivot Power (developer) [1]
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 50 MW / 50 MWh lithium-ion battery storage; 2 MW / 5 MWh vanadium redox flow battery; world's first grid-scale 'hybrid' battery. [1] [2]
- Disciplines
- electrical; chemical; civil; software engineering; project management
- Standards & frameworks
- UK grid codes, National Grid technical requirements.
Sources: Wärtsilä: Pivot Power, Wärtsilä and Habitat Energy activate 50 MW transmission-connected battery in Oxford, UK (https://www.wartsila.com/media/news/23-06-2021-pivot-power-wartsila-and-habitat-energy-activate-50-mw-transmission-connected-battery-in-oxford-uk-3360579) [1] - Environmental Change Institute: Energy Superhub Oxford (https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2023-08/ESO-final-report-summary.pdf) [2]