London Gatwick Electric Forecourt fitted with two 3.6 MW batteries that can store electricity for use when needed – supporting provision for EV charging
A new battery storage system at London Gatwick Electric Forecourt aims to ensure that the site can supply its EV chargers from stored electricity at times of peak demand. In providing a regular, reliable resource for electric vehicles, the site ensures lower carbon emissions and more efficient use of the grid.
London Gatwick Electric Forecourt, photo courtesy UK Power Networks
GRIDSERVE and UK Power Networks have worked together on the initiative to connect two 3.6 megawatt batteries from manufacturer SYL to the distribution network that powers the site.
Opened last year at Gatwick’s south terminal, the electric forecourt boasts 30 EV bays for use by the airport passengers, staff, taxi fleets and the local community. The roof of the forecourt building is already fitted with a 33.3kW solar panel system comprising 114 panels to supplement the power needs of the site’s shops and facilities.
However, generating energy from solar (and other green sources such as wind) can depend on factors including the weather. In addition, the times when we can generate most energy, such as during the brightest, hottest part of the summer, tend to be when there’s least demand for energy for things like heating.
That discrepancy between supply and demand is a considerable challenge in our efforts to provide greener, more sustainable energy in line with wider ambitions to meet net zero. But this can be addressed by the installation of batteries to store energy when it is generated until it is needed.
The new batteries at the electric forecourt will be able to power the whole site for three hours at full capacity. Where necessary, the system can also supply power from the national grid.
This kind of installation presents its own set of challenges. UK Power Network’s connection design and delivery teams worked closely with GRIDSERVE to commission the new network, which includes a voltage management scheme at the grid substation and the adoption of the 33,000-volt network to the forecourt site. GRIDSERVE’s electricity substation was also fitted with transformers for auxiliary power.
Raoul Tufnell, Development Director at GRIDSERVE, says: ‘Through a great collaboration with UK Power Networks, we are thrilled to connect our battery energy storage system at London Gatwick Electric Forecourt. The new batteries support not only on-site demand from our chargers and building but also can provide grid services for the electricity network. This is the fourth electric forecourt within UK Power Networks’ geography and a fantastic statement for how GRIDSERVE, working closely with UK Power Networks, is contributing to a greener future for the UK.’
Tosin Abimbola, Major Connections Project manager at UK Power Networks, adds: ‘We were delighted to energise the battery storage system at London Gatwick Electric Forecourt to support EV charging alongside one of the UK’s busiest airports. We strive to make it easy to connect low carbon technologies to our networks and are proud to continue collaborating with GRIDSERVE on the UK’s journey to net zero.’
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