Global energy storage owner-operator, BW ESS, and energy trader, Danske Commodities, have entered a 10-year optimisation agreement covering 100% of the 200 MW/857 MWh Berkswell battery energy storage system (BESS), one of the UK’s largest battery storage projects and among the country’s longest-duration battery assets.
Under the terms of the 10-year floor agreement, Danske Commodities will provide trading and optimisation services for the entire asset. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the commercialisation of Berkswell, which entered construction in September 2026 and is expected to become operational in 4Q27. Developed by BW ESS from greenfield origination and co-owned with energy and decarbonisation investor, AIP Management, the project forms a key part of BW ESS’ UK portfolio.
Once operational, Berkswell will be capable of supporting the electricity needs of around 700 000 UK homes for up to four hours. By storing electricity when generation is abundant and discharging it when demand increases, the project will support the integration of renewable energy and strengthen the resilience, flexibility, and security of the UK electricity system.
Located near Solihull in the Midlands, Berkswell is strategically positioned near major centres of electricity demand, enabling it to provide flexibility where it is needed most and help maintain a reliable power supply. The four-hour battery system will be among the longest-duration battery storage sites in the UK. The project is expected to use Sungrow’s PowerTitan 3 technology to deliver the efficiency, reliability, and performance required by the evolving UK electricity network.
Kilian Leykam, Chief Commercial Officer of BW ESS, noted: “This agreement with Danske Commodities provides a strong commercial foundation for Berkswell and helps unlock the long-term value of this strategically important energy storage project. With construction under way, we are another step closer to bringing the project online and delivering critical flexibility to the UK grid.”
Jakob Sørensen, CEO of Danske Commodities, added: “We are proud to have been selected by BW ESS to optimise Berkswell. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in British power markets, we will use our trading expertise to maximise the value of the asset while providing the flexibility needed to integrate intermittent renewable generation. The UK is a core market for us, and Berkswell is an important addition to our growing portfolio of flexible assets.”
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global’s Autumn 2026 issue
The Autumn issue of 2026 is available now! The new issue begins with a regional report on Asia Pacific, looking at the region’s transition from building capacity to building systems. The issue also explores topics such as offshore wind foundations, solar maintenance, training the new workforce, inspection & maintenance, and more! With insights from experts such as Everllence, BW Ideol, EM&I, Watson Farley & Williams, and many more, make sure to check out this issue now.