Anesco retrofits 12MWh of energy storage to 10 UK solar farms

April 25, 2017
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Image: Anesco

Developer Anesco has continued to rack up utility-scale storage work after agreeing to retrofit 10 of Ancala Partner’s PV arrays in the UK with battery units.

With a combined capacity of 12MWh, the batteries will be used to provide grid balancing and frequency response services to National Grid through upcoming tenders, although specific mechanisms – such as EFR or demand turn-up – were not disclosed.

Lee Mellor, director at Ancala Partners, said the addition of battery storage units was a “great example” of how the firm could add value for investors through “proactive management of assets”.

Mellor’s view defies other investors who have previously been pessimistic about the present investment opportunity for utility-scale battery storage retrofits, considering the technology to be too nascent and revenue streams too few to be currently bankable.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Nevertheless, Anesco executive chairman Steve Shine said it was an “exciting time” for the UK’s domestic battery storage sector.

Earlier this month Anesco announced a landmark deal with “technology-driven utility” LimeJump under which it will deploy 185MW of battery storage capability by the end of 2018.

15 April 2026
Milan Marriott Hotel, Italy
Solarplus Europe 2026 marks the evolution of Europe’s longest-running solar conference, reflecting the industry’s transition from standalone PV to fully integrated solar-plus-storage and hybrid energy systems. Taking place in Milan, the Summit will unite developers, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders to explore how Europe can deliver firm, flexible, and bankable renewable power at scale. With a sharp focus on system integration, storage deployment, hybrid project design, and market-ready business models, Solarplus Europe provides the platform for shaping the next phase of the continent’s solar and clean power build-out.
13 October 2026
London, UK
Now in its second edition, the Summit provides a dedicated platform for UK & Ireland’s BESS community to share practical insights on performance, degradation, safety, market design and optimisation strategies. As storage deployment accelerates towards 2030 targets, attendees gain the tools needed to enhance returns and operate resilient, efficient assets.

Read Next

February 25, 2026
Experts at the ongoing Energy Storage Summit 2026 have cautioned against treating co-located storage as a “silver bullet” to prop up commercially underperforming solar assets.
February 24, 2026
Panellists discussed M&A in large-scale BESS on the ‘M&A Market: How Attractive Is BESS Right Now?’ panel discussion at the Energy Storage Summit 2026.
February 24, 2026
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has signed a preferred equity investment in IPP Linea Energy’s 235MW/470MWh Duffy battery energy storage system (BESS) in Matagorda County, Texas.
February 24, 2026
According to the US trade association group, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), US battery energy storage system (BESS) deployments are set to increase to 70GWh in 2026.
February 24, 2026
How to enable bankability for large-scale BESS projects was the main topic of the opening panel discussion at the Energy Storage Summit 2026 which kicked off today (24 February).