Battery energy storage system – BESS
The Acharn BESS is currently under construction on the site of the former Acharn Biomass plant. It will provide 11.2MWh of battery storage capacity and charge/discharge at up to 5.6MW, utilising the existing grid connection. Following commissioning and performance testing, it is planned to connect to the electricity distribution network in Spring 2026.
Green Cat Renewables (GCR) was appointed Principal Designer and Owner’s Engineer in February 2025. As part of the project management element of the Owners Engineer’s responsibilities, GCR co-ordinated and assessed the electrical and civil designs produced by the Principal Contractor and its subcontractors and assisted in discharging the pre-construction Planning Conditions. GCR will inspect and supervise installation works onsite and sign off milestone payments on behalf of the Client. GCR has the capabilities to carry out the PAC, IAC and FAC reviews for the project.
The BESS will occupy a small portion of the former biomass combined heat and power plant site. The battery cells will be located on a concrete slab which previously supported the CHP gas engines of the biomass plant. The BESS will connect to the existing 33kV switchboard in the adjacent substation.
