Canadian Solar's e-STORAGE Project to Deliver 2 GWh Energy Storage in the UK

Canadian Solar Inc. has recently made headlines for its ambitious project involving e-STORAGE, a subsidiary that specializes in energy storage solutions. The company announced contracts with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to deliver a substantial 2 GWh of battery energy storage systems for two significant projects based in Scotland: the Coalburn 2 Project and the Devilla Project.

The Coalburn 2 Project, with a capacity of 1 GWh DC, is situated in South Lanarkshire, adjacent to the current Coalburn 1 Project. Similarly, the 1 GWh DC Devilla Project is located near Kincardine in Fife, just north of Edinburgh. Both projects are set to commence construction in 2027 and will be equipped for a two-hour energy storage dispatch capability.

e-STORAGE will be supplying approximately 450 SolBank 3.0 battery containers that will be integral during the construction phases of these projects. Additionally, e-STORAGE will participate in maintaining the long-term operational performance of the facilities under a service agreement with CIP. The energy produced across these two projects is expected to power around 250,000 homes for an entire day, aligning with average electricity consumption in the UK.

This initiative is not just a step towards better energy storage solutions but serves a critical purpose in stabilizing the electrical grid while fostering a transition to clean energy sources. The combined capacities of Coalburn 2 and Devilla are projected to displace approximately 4.57 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over their operational lifespan, making a notable impact in the fight against climate change.

The projects are designed to facilitate the efficient transmission of renewable energy throughout the UK and are expected to bolster offshore wind generation capabilities. Moreover, as part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, initiatives will be taken to enhance biodiversity through tree planting and habitat creation.

Nischal Agarwal, a partner at CIP, underscored the significance of these investments in supporting the UK's ambition for a clean power system by the year 2030 and achieving a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. According to Agarwal, strategically located battery storage projects like Coalburn and Devilla will enhance energy security and improve the grid's flexibility, enabling a faster deployment of low-cost renewable energy.

Colin Parkin, the President of e-STORAGE, expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership with CIP, highlighting the transformative nature of these projects for both Scotland and the broader UK energy landscape. He noted that e-STORAGE is at the forefront of delivering such substantial energy storage capacity, which promises to enhance grid stability, alleviate network constraints, and unlock the potential for offshore wind energy.

About Canadian Solar Inc.

Founded in 2001, Canadian Solar is one of the largest manufacturers of solar photovoltaic modules globally and also provides renewable energy technologies and services. The company has successfully delivered around 142 GW of solar modules and continues to expand its footprint in the energy sector. The e-STORAGE subsidiary has shipped over 8 GWh of battery solutions till date, reflecting a robust growth trajectory with a $3.2 billion contracted backlog.

About e-STORAGE

e-STORAGE, positioned as a pioneer in utility-scale battery energy storage systems, is committed to improving grid operations through its innovative service offerings. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, it operates with a considerable annual battery production capacity to meet growing demands in the energy sector.

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Established in 2012, CIP is recognized as a global leader in renewable energy investments, managing large-scale projects across various segments, including offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, and energy storage. With committed investments worth over £15 billion in the UK alone, CIP plays a crucial role in driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions.