SemperPower kick-starts 62 MWh Rolls-Royce BESS 'Castor' in Netherlands

Large-scale battery storage firm SemperPower has begun the operations of its second utility-scale energy storage project 'Castor' in Netherlands, claimed as the largest of its kind in the country. The 30.7 MW/ 62.6 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) is located at an energy hub in Vlissingen-Oost in the Dutch province of Zeeland.

The operator claims that the energy storage system will accelerate the stable integration of renewable energy into the Dutch electricity market, while also strengthening the reliability and flexibility of the grid. 

Dennis Schiricke, Co-Founder & CEO, SemperPower, "We are thrilled by the success of our latest endeavor! The energization of Castor not only reinforces our commitment to sustainable energy, it also vividly demonstrates the power of partnership". 

"This project gives us all extra energy to further develop our pipeline, ensuring our continued growth and confirming our establishment as a key player in this emerging market. SemperPower stands at the forefront of the energy transition, ready to tackle future challenges and opportunities with unwavering dedication", he added. 

To accelerate energy transition in the region, SemperPower is said to be developing a concrete pipeline of 1.4 GW of energy storage, including the realization of our first HV-connected BESS.

It is to be noted that the 'Castor' BESS has been delivered by Rolls-Royce as a fully turn-key solution, including civil works, electrical integration and automation. The BESS features the company's mtu 'EnergyPack QG' battery modules (in containerized form) and a multi-level control system 'EnergetIQ'.

"I'm excited to unveil a glimpse of our latest achievement: the successful installation of our mtu EnergyPack QG battery systems for SemperPower in Vlissingen", said Andreas Görtz, President Sustainable Power Solutions, Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

He further added, "With a power rating of 30.7 MW and a staggering 62.6 MWh of energy storage capacity, this project is one of the largest battery projects in the EU. This marks a significant leap forward in our journey towards sustainable energy solutions".

It is likely that CATL is the battery cells supplier for this Rolls-Royce BESS solution, evident from the branding of the Chinese cell manufacturer on the BESS containers.