First DC-coupled grid-scale battery storage system in UK begins construction from GE

September 1, 2020
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Image: GE Renewable Energy.

The UK’s first DC-coupled battery energy storage system is under development in a collaboration between GE Renewable Energy and engineering company Wykes.

GE Renewable Energy was chosen by Wykes to deliver the 25MW multiple hour duration energy storage systems, which will be integrated with Wykes’ 60MW solar PV plant at the Chelveston Renewable Energy Park.

The site also has 26MW of wind energy, with Wykes intending to use the storage to add another 60MW of solar capacity, taking total renewable capacity to 146MW.

The company is lauding it as the UK’s first direct-DC-coupled solar deployment where the solar and batteries share a common set of power conversion equipment. This, Wykes said, will help improve overall energy output of the hybrid system while also optimising costs and increasing system reliability and flexibility.

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

To read the full version of this story, visit Solar Power Portal.

Read the October 2019 feature article: ‘Go big, go DC: an in-depth look at DC-coupled solar-plus-storage’.

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

March 16, 2026
A 500MW/1,000MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) with grid-forming inverters has gone into commercial operation in Cambodia.
Premium
March 16, 2026
Hamilton Locke partner Matt Baumgurtel warns of a seismic shift as distributed energy resources with “zero marginal cost” emerge.
March 12, 2026
New Jersey’s regulator has approved the construction of battery storage facilities and a procurement for further energy storage resources in the PJM-connected US state.
March 11, 2026
Energy firm RWE added 2GW to its US operating capacity in 2025, bringing its total operational capacity to nearly 13GW across the country.
March 5, 2026
Developer Avantus has closed a financing package of over US$300 million for the 100MWac/130MWdc solar, 400MWh BESS Kitt Solar and Energy Storage Project in Pinal County, Arizona, US.